Prakash Ambedkar Critiques Amit Shah's Comments as Reflecting BJP's Old Mentality

Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of B R Ambedkar, criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments about the Constitution's architect. He claimed these remarks reveal the BJP's unchanged mindset. Members of the INDIA bloc protested in Parliament, demanding Shah apologise for what they considered an insult to B R Ambedkar. The Congress also insisted on a public apology from Shah.

Before the BJP's formation, its predecessors, Jan Sangh and RSS, opposed Babasaheb during the Constitution's adoption, Prakash Ambedkar stated in Pune. He argued that Shah's comments highlight the BJP's persistent mentality. "There is nothing new in the statement," he said. "They are not able to execute their old plans. Not because of Congress, but because of Babasaheb Ambedkar and they will continue to sulk," he added.

Protests and Demands for Apology

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a video clip on X from Shah's Rajya Sabha speech. In it, Shah remarked, "Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata." This was perceived as a jab at the opposition for frequently invoking Ambedkar's name.

Prakash Ambedkar demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for Somnath Suryawanshi's family. Suryawanshi allegedly died in judicial custody after being arrested over violence in Parbhani city related to a replica of the Constitution being desecrated. Prakash Ambedkar interpreted Shah's remarks as suggesting reverence for God over B R Ambedkar implies accepting manuwad instead of freedom of speech.

Political Implications and Allegations

Prakash Ambedkar accused MVA leaders of seeking votes using Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and B R Ambedkar's names but neglecting Parbhani. He alleged that the violence there aimed to create a situation similar to Godhra. He claimed it resulted from a dispute between two Maratha leaders and announced a fact-finding committee to identify those responsible.

He warned that passing bills for simultaneous Lok Sabha polls could end political parties. He urged Congress to take a firm stance within five to six days on these bills. Failure to do so would mean political parties' demise. Sharad Pawar-led NCP's position would be crucial in this context.

The passage of such bills would lead to dictatorship and dismantle parliamentary democracy's basic structure, Prakash Ambedkar alleged. His comments reflect concerns about potential changes in India's political landscape and their implications for democracy.