Jehanabad, Begusarai, Gaya, December 18, 2024: In a strong protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Lok Sabha, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) workers organized a demonstration, burning an effigy of the Home Minister. The protest began with a retaliation march from Ambedkar Chowk to Arwal Mor, where the effigy was set aflame.
Participating in the demonstration, local MLA Suday Yadav condemned Amit Shah’s statement, calling it highly inappropriate and offensive. Addressing the crowd, he said, “The Home Minister’s remarks against Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution, are deeply insulting. Over 90% of Indians are angered by this comment. Ambedkar’s vision has shaped the nation, empowering the marginalized and providing them a voice through the reservation system. Such disrespect to a great leader is unacceptable, and we demand an immediate apology from Amit Shah. Otherwise, we are prepared to escalate our protest into a larger movement.”
The MLA further added, “This effigy burning sends a strong message that Baba Saheb Ambedkar is a messiah of the poor and the Dalits. We will oppose anyone who dares to speak against him. The RJD strongly condemns this statement and will continue to protest until justice is served.”
“The Nation Runs on Constitution, Not Deities”: RJD Protest in Begusarai
In Begusarai, hundreds of RJD workers burned effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in protest, raising slogans against the central government. The demonstration was held at Canteen Chowk, where RJD leaders alleged that Amit Shah insulted Dr. Ambedkar during a parliamentary address.
RJD leaders accused the Home Minister of being anti-Dalit and demanded his resignation. They declared, “Amit Shah’s remarks reveal a regressive mentality that undermines the ideals of our Constitution. The BJP’s actions are alienating Dalit communities and destroying the democratic fabric of this nation. We will not remain silent against such injustices.”
Former Bihar Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary Demands Resignation
In a press conference, former Bihar Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary described Amit Shah’s remarks as “shameful” and called for his resignation. He criticized the Home Minister’s statement, “If you had taken Ambedkar’s name as often as you take God Ram’s, you would have reached heaven,” calling it a blatant insult to the Dalit icon.
Choudhary said, “This statement has hurt millions who believe in democracy, secularism, and the Constitution. It is shocking that Dalit MPs in Parliament remained silent during such a disgraceful moment.” He also questioned, “What logic is this—comparing gods and human leaders in this manner? It’s a direct attack on the Constitution.”
He further criticized the increasing glorification of Veer Savarkar in Parliament while undermining Ambedkar’s contributions, saying, “This is a systematic effort to dilute the power of the Constitution.”
Choudhary demanded an apology from the Home Minister and vowed to keep fighting against such acts. Makhdumpur MLA Satish Das was also present at the press conference.
