Mayawati Calls for Nationwide Protest Against Amit Shah’s Remarks on Ambedkar

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has announced plans for a nationwide protest on December 24 in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial comments about Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution. Mayawati expressed that Shah’s remarks have deeply offended many people across the country.

Mayawati Criticizes Shah’s Disrespect for Ambedkar

In a series of posts on X, Mayawati said that Shah’s comments have hurt the sentiments of millions. She emphasized that Dr. Ambedkar, who created the Constitution to protect the rights and dignity of Dalits, marginalized communities, and others, is revered almost like a deity in India. Mayawati stated, “Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the author of the original book in the form of the super-humanistic and welfare constitution for the self-respect and human rights of the Dalits, deprived and other neglected people of the country, is as revered as God. His disrespect by Amit Shah hurts the hearts of the people.”

Mayawati Demands an Apology

Mayawati called on Amit Shah to take back his statement and apologize. She said, “People from all sections of society in the country are quite agitated, angry by the words spoken by him in the Parliament regarding such a great man. Ambedkarite BSP has demanded him to take back his statement and repent, which has not been implemented till now.”

BSP Plans Peaceful Nationwide Protest

In light of Shah’s refusal to retract his comments, Mayawati announced that the BSP would hold a peaceful protest across India on December 24. “In such a situation, if the demand is not met, then BSP has talked about raising voice across the country. That is why now the party has decided to hold a nationwide movement on December 24 in support of this demand. On that day, a completely peaceful dharna demonstration will be held at all the district headquarters of the country,” she added.

BSP’s Dedication to Ambedkar’s Legacy

Mayawati reiterated her party’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, who fought for the rights of Dalits and Bahujans, securing legal protections including reservations. “Therefore, if Congress, BJP etc., cannot respect Baba Saheb from their heart, then they should not disrespect him either. The day SC, ST and OBC classes got legal rights in the Constitution due to Baba Saheb, they also got heaven for seven lives,” she remarked.

Shah’s Controversial Statement Sparks Protests

The controversy began when Amit Shah made a statement in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, saying, “If they (opposition) had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives.”

Opposition MPs Protest in Parliament

Following Shah’s remarks, members of the INDIA alliance, led by Rahul Gandhi, protested in the Parliament complex on Thursday, demanding an apology and Shah’s resignation. A scuffle broke out during the protest, resulting in injuries to two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Both sides accused each other of pushing their members. The Delhi police have filed an FIR against Rahul Gandhi regarding the incident.