Privilege motions moved against Shah for derogatory remark on Ambedkar

The reportedly contemptuous mention of Dr B.R. Ambedkar by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Constitution debate in the Rajya Sabha drew harsh criticism and heated exchanges from opposition parties over Shah’s derogatory remarks, with two privilege motions being moved against him in Parliament.

One was by Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, and another was by Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien. The remarks, deemed derogatory by opposition leaders, have sparked heated exchanges in Parliament and escalated tensions between the INDIA bloc and the ruling NDA.

The controversy began during a Constitution debate in the Rajya Sabha when Shah’s comments, perceived as dismissive of Ambedkar’s legacy, were made. Opposition leaders criticised the remarks as an insult to Ambedkar, who is widely regarded as the principal architect of India’s Constitution.

Kharge’s notice argued that the comments were satirical in tone and amounted to a breach of parliamentary privilege. O’Brien submitted a separate notice, further compounding the opposition’s objections.

The issue escalated outside the chambers as the video of Shah’s remarks circulated widely on social media. The Congress alleged that the government had attempted to suppress the video by directing X (formerly Twitter) to remove it.

However, X reportedly refused, stating that the content did not violate Indian laws. Congress leaders accused the government of shielding Shah instead of addressing the public outcry, demanding an apology for the remarks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Shah, accusing the Congress of distorting the home minister’s statements and highlighting the opposition’s past alleged disregard for Ambedkar’s legacy. Shah, in turn, called for the media to present his comments in full context, denying any intent to disrespect Ambedkar.

Parliament witnessed chaotic scenes as protests erupted on its premises, with members of both the INDIA bloc and the NDA trading allegations of insulting Ambedkar. The confrontation reportedly turned physical near the Makar Dwar gate, leaving two BJP MPs and Kharge injured.

BJP MPs Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Chandra Sarangi claimed they were hurt in incidents involving Rahul Gandhi, while Gandhi accused BJP members of obstructing his access to Parliament and resorting to intimidation tactics. Gandhi also alleged that Kharge was injured during the altercation.

The BJP denied Gandhi’s allegations, accusing him of instigating violence. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and other BJP leaders dismissed Gandhi’s claims as baseless and suggested legal action against him. Images of the injured BJP MPs in hospital were shared on social media, amplifying the dispute. In a gesture aimed at defusing tensions, Gandhi later visited Sarangi in the hospital.

The controversy extended beyond Parliament, with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal urging BJP allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu to reflect on Shah’s comments. Kejriwal argued that the BJP’s stance insulted Ambedkar and called for accountability from its coalition partners, JD(U) and TDP.