Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress on Wednesday of distorting facts and manipulating his remarks related to Bhim Rao Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha. During the press conference, Shah alleged that Congress has a history of distorting statements to mislead the public, including remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
When asked about Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's demand for his resignation, the Home Minister jokingly said, "If that satisfies the Congress President, I might even consider it, but it certainly won't solve their problems. You have to sit in the opposition for 15 years."
Key highlights from the Home Minister's press conference:
I strongly condemn Congress for distorting facts. Why did this happen? It happened because BJP leaders discussed how NDA governments have upheld the Constitution while Congress has been anti-Ambedkar, anti-Constitution, and anti-reservation.
Congress has also insulted Savarkar and disregarded the values enshrined in the Constitution by imposing emergency. They sidelined women's respect for years, disrespected the judiciary, insulted martyr soldiers, and dared to hand over Indian territory to other countries during their rule.
I want to tell Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge that you should not support Congress's malicious attempts. I am deeply saddened that under Rahul Gandhi's pressure, you have also become involved.
Congress leaders have often awarded themselves the Bharat Ratna. In 1955, Nehru awarded it to himself; in 1971, Indira awarded it to herself. However, Baba Saheb received the Bharat Ratna in 1990 when Congress was not in power, and it was a BJP-supported government. Until 1990, Congress tried hard to ensure Baba Saheb didn't receive the Bharat Ratna, even forbidding the celebration of his 100th birth anniversary.
No memorials for Baba Saheb Ambedkar were built while Congress was in power. As opposition governments emerged, memorials were created. BJP governments and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government have developed the Panchteerth relating to Baba Saheb's life: in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh; a memorial in London; Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur; a national memorial in Delhi; and Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
My statement in the Rajya Sabha was misrepresented. Prior to this, statements by PM Narendra Modi were edited and released publicly. During the elections, my statement was edited using AI. Today, they are distorting my words.
I belong to a party that will never disrespect Ambedkar Ji. From Jan Sangh to Bharatiya Janata Party, we have always strived to follow Ambedkar Ji's principles. Whenever BJP has been in power, we have propagated Ambedkar Ji's ideologies. The Bharatiya Janata Party has worked towards strengthening reservations.
We recognize Baba Saheb's immense contribution to making the nation's Constitution more inclusive, ensuring justice for the Dalits, tribals, the marginalized, and the poor, and deepening the roots of democracy in the country. The entire nation expresses gratitude to Baba Saheb.
