Ambedkar week, nationwide protests and 150 pressers: Congress to scale up heat on Shah

The Congress has announced a series of nationwide protests on 22 and 23 December, intensifying its demand for Union home minister Amit Shah's resignation and a public apology for his contentious remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament.

The party has described Shah's comments as a deliberate insult to the Constitution and an attack on Ambedkar's legacy, accusing the BJP of undermining the principles of equality and justice.

“We will fight to protect Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy against the Manusmriti worshippers,” said K.C. Venugopal, Congress MP and general secretary (organisation). Venugopal underscored that the Congress would not yield to intimidation, including FIRs or pressure tactics by the ruling BJP.

The Congress has strongly criticized the BJP for what it calls a systematic attempt to dismantle constitutional safeguards and promote divisive ideologies.

"The BJP’s attack on Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy is part of their larger agenda to rewrite India’s democratic history," Venugopal asserted. He accused the ruling party of aligning with regressive ideologies, undermining the rights of marginalized communities, and betraying the foundational principles of the Indian Republic.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera elaborated the party's plan in a press briefing, stating, “All our MPs from both Houses, along with CWC members, will address 150 press conferences across the country on December 22nd and 23rd. These events will expose the deliberate attack on Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar ji and the Constitution of India by none other than the Home Minister, Amit Shah.”

On December 24, the party will organize district-level Baba Saheb Ambedkar Samman Marches, culminating in the submission of memorandums to district collectors. These memorandums, addressing the party’s demands, will then be forwarded to the President of India.

The Congress also accused Amit Shah of embodying the BJP’s disregard for constitutional values, citing his remarks as reflective of a mindset that seeks to impose a hierarchical and exclusionary vision of society. “This is not just an attack on Ambedkar but on every Indian who believes in justice, equality, and democracy,” Khera said.

The Congress aims to galvanize support among Dalits, backward classes, and other marginalized groups through its protests. The party seeks to portray the BJP as being indifferent to the aspirations of these communities, which it claims are central to India’s democratic ethos.

On Saturday, the principal opposition party has staged protest in several cities. Senior leaders such as Sachin Pilot hit the street. He said Shah should apologize

"Amit Shah has insulted Baba Saheb Ambedkar in the country's Parliament. BJP and Amit Shah should apologize. The whole country is hurt by the insult of Ambedkar ji, due to which protests are happening all over the country. BJP has filed a false case against Rahul Gandhi to divert attention from the insult to Ambedkar and save its own life".

Similarly in Kerala, Mahila Congress staged a powerful protest march to Kerala Raj Bhavan.

The nationwide agitation is seen as part of the Congress’ strategy to position itself as the defender of social justice and constitutional values, contrasting sharply with what it calls the BJP’s regressive and divisive politics. The party’s emphasis on Ambedkar’s legacy also seeks to connect with a broad base of voters ahead of upcoming elections.

By amplifying the issue, as per political watchers, the Congress hopes to corner the BJP, further exposing the ruling party’s stance on critical social and constitutional issues.