Nationwide protest on 24 Dec if Amit Shah doesn’t apologise: Mayawati

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has issued a stern warning to Union home minister Amit Shah, demanding an unconditional public apology for his remarks on Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. Calling the comments "insulting" to the Dalit icon, Mayawati announced that her party would launch a nationwide protest if the apology is not tendered.

In a series of tweets, Mayawati criticised Shah and urged him to retract his statement and publicly express remorse. “The Ambedkarite BSP has demanded an apology, but Shah’s silence compels us to take this matter to the streets,” she said.

The BSP has scheduled a peaceful nationwide protest on 24 December 2024, during which demonstrations will be held at district headquarters across the country. Mayawati stressed that these protests would remain entirely non-violent while serving as a platform to expose the BJP’s “hypocrisy” on Dalit welfare.

“The BJP’s supposed concern for Dalits and other neglected groups is nothing but a façade. Genuine welfare for these communities is impossible under their tokenistic policies,” she asserted.

The controversy erupted when Shah made contentious remarks about Dr Ambedkar during a Rajya Sabha session, drawing widespread criticism from the Congress, Dalit groups and other political opponents. While the BJP has defended Shah’s statement, Mayawati and other Opposition leaders have escalated their attacks.

Mayawati’s response reflects the change in her politics, having supported the Modi government on important issues including 'One Nation, One Election'. With the nationwide protest approaching, this issue is poised to become a significant political flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the Opposition parties in the coming weeks.