Congress leaders and supporters protested in Jammu on Thursday (December 19, 2024) against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on BR Ambedkar. |Photo credit: ANI
Jammu and Kashmir Congress stepped up its agitation against the Bharatiya Janata Party and held a protest rally in Jammu on Friday (December 20, 2024), continuing the protest for the second consecutive day and demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah Resigned over his remarks against Ambedkar in Parliament.
The Congress party reiterated its demand for a public apology from Shah for his remarks, which it called an “insult” to Ambedkar, and for his resignation.
Led by Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra, dozens of party members, leaders, former ministers and former legislators marched at Satwari Chowk to protest against Shah’s speech.
The protesters carried Congress flags and placards and raised slogans against Shah and the BJP, demanding his resignation.
A large police force stopped the protesters, sparking a brief scuffle.
“On one hand, there was a discussion on the Constitution in Parliament and on the other hand, the Union Home Minister made derogatory remarks about Ambedkar. This is very unfortunate. Insults against a great leader cannot be tolerated,” Mr. Kalla told reporters .
He accused the Shah of using diversionary tactics during discussions in parliament on One Nation, One Election (ONOE).
“They are exaggerating the situation to divert attention from the failure to reach consensus on ONOE due to opposition from the alliance. They are also blaming Rahul Gandhi and filing an FIR against him,” Mr Kalra said.
“The Shah’s remarks are a direct insult to the people of the country and to Babasaheb Ambedkar,” he added.
“We cannot tolerate such remarks. We warn them not to make such remarks in the future,” he said, calling for Mr Shah’s resignation and a formal apology.
The Dalit OBC Minorities (DOM) Federation also held protests in Jammu against Mr Shah’s remarks.
DOM activists, led by state president RK Kalsotra, raised slogans against Mr Shah and demanded an apology.
In Udhampur, the Ambedkar Welfare Trust also staged a protest against Shah and demanded an apology from him.
Published – December 20, 2024 04:39 pm (IST)