Ambedkarites across India have denounced Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks during the Constitution’s 75th-anniversary debate, calling for respect toward the legacy of Dr. B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Constitutional debate overshadowed by controversy
During the two-day special session commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, Amit Shah’s remarks drew widespread criticism from Ambedkarites. His impatient tone and references to Dr. B R Ambedkar in a dismissive manner sparked outrage across the nation.
Ambedkarites emphasized that parliamentary discussions must honour the legacy of Ambedkar, whom they hailed as a “historical figure, great warrior, and the visionary behind India’s inclusive democracy.”
Religion has no place in legislative discussions
Ambedkarites expressed dismay over Shah’s references to gods and goddesses during a constitutional debate, terming it a “misfortune and intellectual poverty.” They called for the strict separation of religion and governance, reiterating Ambedkar’s vision of a secular state where religion does not influence public policy or legislative discussions.
Ambedkar’s fight for equality
The uproar reignited conversations about Dr. Ambedkar’s relentless efforts to secure universal adult suffrage in India, granting voting rights to all adults regardless of caste, gender, religion, or wealth.
Ambedkar fiercely opposed attempts to restrict voting rights to landowners, the wealthy, or the educated. His insistence on equality ensured marginalized communities, including SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities, had a voice in shaping the nation’s future.
Despite resistance from figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Ambedkar enshrined universal suffrage as a cornerstone of the Constitution, enabling every Indian adult—now 18 years and older—the right to vote.
Ambedkarites pointedly asked, “If 90–98% of Indians hadn’t voted, would leaders like Amit Shah hold their positions today?”
Ambedkar’s vision demands respect
Ambedkarites reminded the nation that Shah, as a beneficiary of Ambedkar’s constitutional reforms, owes his position to the rights enshrined by the Dalit icon. They called for introspection, urging him to “learn history, reflect deeply, and speak with care and respect.”
A nationwide demand for accountability
The outrage has fueled a demand for Shah to publicly acknowledge Ambedkar’s contributions and offer an explanation for his comments. Ambedkarites view this as an opportunity to reassert Ambedkar’s vision of social justice, equality, and secular governance, urging those in power to honour the principles that built modern India.
This controversy, they stressed, is a critical reminder of the responsibility public officials bear in upholding the Constitution’s values and respecting the legacy of its chief architect.
