Derek O’Brien Moves Privilege Motion Against Amit Shah Over Ambedkar Remarks

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien has lodged a privilege motion against Amit Shah for allegedly showing disrespect to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a parliamentary debate. The privilege motion submitted under Rule 187 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha has already created a political storm.

The remarks by Shah, made on December 17 during a debate marking 75 years of the Indian Constitution, drew sharp criticism from the opposition. Shah had said, “Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai-Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar.”. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar repeatedly. If they had taken God’s name as often, they would have secured a place in heaven).

The remarks sparked protests in the Rajya Sabha, where opposition parties accused Shah of belittling Ambedkar’s work. The din led to the adjournment of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

O’Brien’s motion charged the Home Minister with “denigrating and trivializing” the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar. He said such remarks not only sully the dignity of Parliament but also insult the memory of the architect of the Constitution.

Defending his remarks, Shah accused the Congress of exploiting Ambedkar’s name for political gains while neglecting his legacy. He highlighted Ambedkar’s resignation from the first cabinet over disagreements with Congress policies and claimed that most memorials dedicated to Ambedkar were built under BJP governments. Shah questioned Congress’s sincerity, asking, “How appropriate is it for you to use the name of a person for vote bank politics whom you used to oppose?”

The incident has escalated tensions in Parliament, with opposition parties demanding an apology from Shah. The Congress and the TMC have called for action, asserting that such statements are eroding the sanctity of parliamentary debates.

The continuing political tussles over Ambedkar’s legacy and its relevance in contemporary Indian politics are highlighted by this controversy.