The Congress has launched a nationwide campaign demanding the resignation of Union home minister Amit Shah, accusing him of a “deliberate attack” on BR Ambedkar during a parliamentary debate on the Constitution.
The Congress has announced a series of nationwide protests on 22 and 23 December. Pawan Khera, the chairman of the media and publicity department of Congress, said that several Congress parliamentarians and party leaders will participate in the campaign across 150 cities, holding press conferences to emphasise their demand.
“On December 22 and 23, all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha lawmakers, along with members of the Congress working committee (CWC), will hold 150 press conferences nationwide, highlighting the deliberate attack on Ambedkar and the Constitution”.
“On December 24, a ‘Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman Yatra’ will be conducted by party leaders and workers at every district headquarters. We will reiterate our demand for Shah’s resignation, submit a memorandum to President Draupadi Murmu through district collectors, and garland the statues of Ambedkar,” Khera added.
“We will fight to protect Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy against the Manusmriti worshippers,” said K.C. Venugopal, Congress MP and general secretary (organisation). Venugopal underscored that the Congress would not yield to intimidation, including FIRs or pressure tactics by the ruling BJP.
On Saturday, the principal opposition party staged protests in several cities. Senior leaders such as Sachin Pilot hit the street. He said Shah should apologize
“Amit Shah has insulted Baba Saheb Ambedkar in the country’s Parliament. BJP and Amit Shah should apologize. The whole country is hurt by the insult of Ambedkar ji, due to which protests are happening all over the country. BJP has filed a false case against Rahul Gandhi to divert attention from the insult to Ambedkar and save its own life”.
The nationwide agitation is seen as part of the Congress’ strategy to position itself as the defender of social justice and constitutional values, contrasting sharply with what it calls the BJP’s regressive and divisive politics. The party’s emphasis on Ambedkar’s legacy also seeks to connect with a broad base of voters ahead of upcoming elections.