On December 24, 2022, the Congress party made headlines with simultaneous protests across India, rallying against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for comments he made about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the recent Winter Session of Parliament. The protests included the Ambedkar Samman Yatra, which turned the streets of Dispur, Assam, and Hyderabad, Telangana, alive with fervent demands for Shah's resignation.
At the center of the action, over one hundred Congress workers congregated at the Manabendra Sarma Complex, showing their support for the legacy of Ambedkar, who is hailed as the architect of the Indian Constitution. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organized the event, underscoring the party's intent to advocate for the values Ambedkar embodied.
Mira Borthakur, Congress leader, emphasized, “This rally is about Babasaheb Ambedkar. Similar rallies will be held across the state.” The rally commenced with discussions surrounding Ambedkar's contributions and culminated with the Congress party planning to march to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Kamrup (Metro) to submit a memorandum.
Prominent leaders participated, including Deputy Leader of Opposition Gaurav Gogoi and Assam’s Opposition Leader Debabrata Sakia. Gaurav Gogoi affixed the rally as peaceful, aiming to rekindle public consciousness around Ambedkar and his teachings. “This is a peaceful rally to evoke the ethos of Dr. Ambedkar among the people,” he stated, expressing the collective outrage against Shah’s remarks.
While Congress promised peaceful demonstrations, the preparation for dissent took on heightened security measures akin to those seen during previous protests, especially following the deadly December 18 rally incident where Congress worker lost their life. Security personnel, including the CRPF and state police, lined the vicinity, equipped with tear gas and water cannons, showcasing the tensions surrounding political protests today.
Similarly, the Telangana Congress organized its march on the same date, making its way from the Ambedkar statue at Tank Bund to the Hyderabad district Collectorate. Led by TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud, the gathering also dressed in blue and brandished placards condemning Shah’s remarks.
“We are demanding Amit Shah should be removed from the Union Cabinet immediately,” Goud proclaimed, highlighting the perceived offense taken by citizens who uphold constitutional values. He asserted, “Amit Shah's remarks have hurt the sentiments of all citizens who believe in the Constitution.” His passionate speech echoed sentiments shared nationwide among the Congress rank and file.
Deepa Dasmunshi, AICC General Secretary, joined the outcry stating the Congress would escalate its agitations for Shah's removal, alluding to the BJP's agenda, which she claimed favors Manusmriti over the Indian Constitution. “The BJP has a hidden agenda of replacing the Constitution of India with Manusmriti,” Mahesh Kumar Goud reiterated, pressing upon the potential long-term erosion of constitutional safeguards.
Adding to the political fray, BJP's Tarun Chugh, responsible for the party's Jammu and Kashmir affairs, accused the National Conference led by Omar Abdullah of depriving underprivileged classes of their rights by rationalizing reservation policies. Chugh voiced his assertion against Abdullah, insisting, “We will not allow them to do it,” and articulately linked the Congress party's present actions to their historical disregard for Ambedkar during their governance.
Chugh remarked, “It is strange Congress never gave Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar his rightful respect.” He drew comparisons with Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who received Bharat Ratna honors, pointing to what he perceives as political hypocrisy within Congress ranks. He juxtaposed this with claims of conspiracy against the rights of Dalits and other vulnerable groups as the Congress condemns the BJP government.
These protests symbolize not just dissent against Shah’s comments, but also embody the prevailing discourse of identity politics, rights, and the constant contestation of historical narratives—most critically concerning Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. While parties fight to reclaim narratives rooted deep within India's polity, the sharp rift between the current government and its opposition remains evident.
Both Assam and Telangana demonstrations reflect broader sentiments across variations of Congress-led protests throughout the country, calling for solidarity and rigorous examination of political speeches, especially concerning revered figures like Ambedkar.
The future of political dissent remains vibrant, showcasing the power of civil action as protests continue to captivate public attention and challenge governmental rhetoric. For the Congress party, these recent events mark a potentially pivotal moment for mobilizing support and galvanizing constituencies around the principles of the Constitution as interpreted through the lens of Ambedkar’s legacy.
