Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a strong condemnation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, calling them disrespectful and offensive. In an open letter, Siddaramaiah criticised Shah and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for undermining the legacy of the architect of India's Constitution.
The controversy erupted when Amit Shah while speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, referred to Dr Ambedkar's memory as a 'habit'. This statement triggered widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and the public. Siddaramaiah, in his letter, accused Shah of attempting to diminish Dr Ambedkar's monumental contributions to India's democracy.
அதிக பாவங்கள் செய்பவர்கள்தான் புண்ணியத்தைப் பற்றிக் கவலைப்பட வேண்டும்.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 18, 2024
நாட்டைப் பற்றியும் மக்களைப் பற்றியும் அரசியல்சட்டத்தின் பாதுகாப்பு பற்றியும் கவலைப்படுவோர் புரட்சியாளர் அம்பேத்கர் பெயரைத்தான் சொல்வார்கள்! சொல்ல வேண்டும்!#BabasahebAmbedkar
"Standing in the very Parliament that functions under Babasaheb's Constitution and referring to his memory as a 'habit' shows your sheer disrespect and audacity," Siddaramaiah said, expressing his dismay over Shah's comments.
He further said, "Do not attempt to mislead the nation by claiming your words were twisted. Own up your statement and face the truth." He emphasised the lasting importance of Ambedkar's legacy, stating, "For us, Ambedkar is not a 'habit', but an everlasting force of guidance. The more you try to diminish his memory, the stronger it will rise to lead us forward."
Reflecting on how Ambedkar's vision had shaped his own life, Siddaramaiah remarked, "Had Babasaheb not been born, I might still be herding cattle in my village, and Mallikarjun Kharge ji might have been working a factory. We owe every step of our progress and dignity to Ambedkar's vision."
The Karnataka Chief Minister also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamseval Sangh (RSS) for its long-standing opposition to Ambedkar and his work. "Your remarks in Parliaments are a continuation of this long-stanging RSS ideology of rejecting Babasaheb's vision," Siddaramaiah stated.
Open Letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 18, 2024
Shri Amit Shah avare,
First, let me congratulate you for finally speaking the truth by openly revealing the BJP's real opinion about Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Your statement in Parliament (18-12-2024) didn’t surprise us; we already… pic.twitter.com/zjxDHEugwb
In a jibe at the BJP leadership, Siddaramaiah said, "Your party has developed an addiction to chanting Modi, Modi, Modi. Perhaps if you invoked God's name as much, your sins committed in the pursuit of power might be forgiven."
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin posted on X about Dr Ambedkar, though his comments were not directed at Shah or the BJP "Only those who commit the most sins should worry about virtue. Those who care about the country, the people, and the security of the Constitution will only mention the name of the revolutionary Ambedkar! It must be mentioned! (sic) ," he wrote.
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