Ruckus over Ambedkar: Home Minister Amit Shah gave clarification, accused Congress of distorting the statement:

During the discussion on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah mentioned the name of Bhimrao Ambedkar and said, "Nowadays it has become a fashion to chant the name of Ambedkar-Ambedkar." He said that if people took the name of God so much, they would get heaven for seven lives. This comment made the opposition parties aggressive. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mamta Banerjee, Mayawati and Tejashwi Yadav asked Amit Shah to apologize. Congress termed it as a statement hurting the sentiments of the Dalit community.

Uproar in parliament and on the streets

After this statement, there was uproar in the Parliament. The proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned. Congress MPs protested with banners of Bhimrao Ambedkar. Congress, under the leadership of Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, targeted Amit Shah. Political stir intensified in many states including Delhi, Bihar and Maharashtra. Aam Aadmi Party also made it an issue and announced a protest outside the BJP headquarters. Arvind Kejriwal said that this will be made a major issue in the Delhi elections.

BJP's clarification and Kiren Rijiju's reply

BJP MP Kiren Rijiju hit back at the opposition and said that the Congress repeatedly misuses the name of Baba Saheb. He described himself as a Buddhist following the path shown by Baba Saheb. Rijiju also said that 71 years after Baba Saheb's resignation in 1951, Prime Minister Modi appointed a Buddhist as a minister. He claimed respect on behalf of the BJP by mentioning five pilgrimage sites associated with Baba Saheb and the construction of his 450 feet high statue.

Amit Shah's clarification and the political environment

To calm the controversy, Amit Shah himself decided to talk to the media. It is believed that he also discussed this issue with PM Modi. This statement of Amit Shah has become a big weapon for the opposition. BJP may have to bear the brunt of this in the upcoming elections. This controversy has started a new political battle between BJP and Congress. Now it remains to be seen whether this matter will calm down with Amit Shah's clarification or it will escalate further.