Expel Shah from cabinet, demands Congress; holds press meets, protests

The Congress party on Monday escalated its attack on Union home minister Amit Shah, demanding his resignation over his controversial remarks on Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar.

At press conferences held across the country, senior Congress leaders accused Shah of insulting Ambedkar and diverting attention from pressing national issues. Shah had recently stated that "it has become a fashion to invoke Ambedkar’s name", and that "if those who take his name so many times took the name of God as many times, they would go to heaven", sparking outrage among Opposition parties and Dalit organisations, for whom Ambedkar is a messianic figure given his lifelong battle for Dalit rights.

Shah's remarks, seen as dismissive of Ambedkar’s legacy, drew sharp criticism for their tone and timing, considering Ambedkar’s central role in drafting India’s Constitution and his enduring influence on social justice movements.

Leading the charge, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said, “Amit Shah should apologise for his statement. The BJP is trying to divert the country’s attention through propaganda and false FIRs, but the INDIA alliance is united in demanding his resignation. If he does not apologise, this statement will cost Amit Shah and the BJP dearly in the future.”

Addressing media in Bhopal, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, "I believe that Amit Shah's remarks against Babasaheb Ambedkar is a grave insult and an unforgivable offense. He should have expressed regret and apologised to the nation, which he has not done. Instead, PM Modi is defending him. Amit Shah has committed an inexcusable offense, and he should resign from his post".

Veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh echoed the demand, calling on Modi to expel Shah from the Cabinet. Singh accused the BJP of orchestrating distractions to avoid scrutiny over the alleged Modi-Adani nexus. “Modi made Adani one of the richest people in the world, and when we sought a discussion on this in Parliament, these distractions were created,” Singh said.

Congress leader Gurdeep Sapal criticised Prime Minister Modi for defending Shah. He said, “The Prime Minister should uphold the Constitutional dignity of his office. Instead, he jumped to defend Shah on the same day”.

The Congress announced plans for nationwide protests on Tuesday too, signalling its intent to keep the pressure on the BJP over Shah’s remarks.

Party leaders framed the protests as a fight for Ambedkar’s legacy and an effort to hold the government accountable for what they described as its repeated attempts to undermine Constitutional values.

The Congress’ sharp response underscores the broader political battle between the ruling BJP and the INDIA alliance, with Ambedkar’s legacy becoming a flashpoint.

The Opposition’s united front and aggressive rhetoric suggest that the issue will remain a prominent point of contention in the coming days, with the potential to impact the BJP’s political fortunes.