The political clash over Amit Shah’s comments on BR Ambedkar escalated Thursday as the Opposition protested by climbing the Makar Dwar of Parliament. The protest came after two BJP MPs were injured, allegedly due to a push by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Mukesh Rajput, one of the injured MPs, is reportedly in serious condition and has been admitted to the ICU at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
Shah’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, where he suggested that Congress leaders would have earned a place in heaven if they had chanted God’s name instead of repeating Ambedkar’s, triggered a major controversy. The Opposition seized on his comments, calling for Shah’s resignation and demanding an apology.
In response, MPs from the opposition alliance ‘INDIA’ climbed the Makar Dwar with placards demanding Shah’s resignation. Rahul Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, were among the protesters.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi claimed he was injured after Rahul allegedly pushed an MP, causing the MP to fall on him. Sarangi, seen in a wheelchair with a handkerchief on his forehead, accused Gandhi of causing the injury.
Rahul Gandhi refuted the allegation, stating that BJP MPs had been trying to block and threaten him as he tried to enter Parliament.
The controversy started with Amit Shah’s comment in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, in which he criticized Congress for using Ambedkar’s name as a “fashion” and implied that if Congress leaders had chanted God’s name instead, they would have secured a place in heaven. He also suggested that while the BJP is pleased that Congress recognizes Ambedkar, they should reflect on their true feelings towards him.