New Delhi- The controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha has intensified. Opposition parties and Ambedkarite organizations have strongly condemned Shah's statement, sparking widespread protests across the country, including the burning of his effigies.
Amid this uproar, deep resentment has also emerged among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). In a show of solidarity, NRI Ambedkarites launched an online petition on Thursday, which has rapidly gained significant support within hours.
The petition, directed to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, seeks immediate action against remarks made by Shah, which the petitioners claim undermine the legacy of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
The petition strongly condemns Shah’s alleged comments, which have sparked outrage among Dalit and Ambedkarite communities worldwide. The remarks, according to the petitioners, demean Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s democratic framework and social justice system.
The petition demands:
A Public Apology- It calls for Shri Amit Shah to issue a public clarification and apology for his remarks, which have deeply hurt the sentiments of millions who regard Dr. Ambedkar as a national icon.
Reaffirmation of Commitment to Ambedkarite Values: The petition urges the government to reaffirm its commitment to the principles championed by Dr. Ambedkar, including equality, justice, and fraternity.
Educational Initiatives: It suggests measures to promote awareness about Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions, particularly among public officials, to prevent further instances of insensitivity or misinformation.
The petition was initiated on Thursday morning and is being supported by coalition of NRI Ambedkarite organizations and individuals residing in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Within hours, it had garnered hundreds of signatures from supporters worldwide.
Prominent academicians, activists, and professionals have endorsed the petition, emphasizing the global resonance of Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy and its relevance to combating caste-based discrimination.
The petitioners argue that Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of a just and equitable society laid the foundation for India’s Constitution and democratic values. Any attempt to demean his legacy, they claim, threatens the social fabric of the nation and undermines decades of progress toward equality.
The online petition states:
"Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy belongs to the entire nation, transcending caste, creed, or religion. His principles guide us in our ongoing fight for justice and equality. No public figure should have the liberty to diminish his contributions."
The online platform has amplified the voices of NRIs who feel strongly connected to India’s socio-political developments. By leveraging technology, the petition has quickly united Ambedkarite supporters across continents, underscoring the global admiration for Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.
The petition urges the President, to intervene in her capacity as the custodian of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has penned a scathing open letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, condemning his remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament on December 18. Siddaramaiah accused Shah of disrespecting the architect of the Indian Constitution and exposing the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) true stance on Ambedkar’s legacy.
The Chief Minister credited Ambedkar with enabling progress for individuals from marginalized communities, including himself. “Had Dr. Ambedkar not been born, I might have been herding cattle in my village instead of becoming Chief Minister,” he stated.
He extended this acknowledgment to Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying they, too, owe their positions to Ambedkar’s vision. “Without Ambedkar, you might have been running a scrap business in your hometown, and the PM might still be selling tea at a railway station,” Siddaramaiah added.
Siddaramaiah emphatically rejected any attempt to trivialize Ambedkar's legacy, stating: “For us, Ambedkar is not a fashion but an eternal inspiration. His legacy will endure as long as the Sun and Moon shine on this Earth. Attempts to diminish his memory will only strengthen his influence.”
The Chief Minister reminded Shah that millions across the country, who gained equality and dignity because of Ambedkar, are condemning such remarks.
The letter also criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging its historical opposition to Ambedkar and the Constitution. Siddaramaiah referred to documented statements by RSS leaders such as Hedgewar and Golwalkar against the Constitution, calling Shah’s remarks an extension of this ideology.
In a pointed critique of the BJP’s leadership, Siddaramaiah wrote: “Your party has developed a fashion of chanting ‘Modi... Modi... Modi.’ If only you invoked God’s name as much, you might have secured a place in heaven.” He accused the BJP of prioritizing power over values and principles.
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