Opposition in Lok Sabha demands Amit Shah's apology, debate; House adjourned

NEW DELHI: The Opposition continued to disrupt Parliament proceedings for the second consecutive day on Thursday over home minister Amit Shah's remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar during a discussion in Rajya Sabha earlier this week.

The Lok Sabha assembled at 11 am and Speaker Om Birla began the day's proceedings with an obituary reference for former member EVKS Elangovan. The Opposition members were all clad in different shades of blue - the colour representative of Dalit resistance as it represents the colour of the sky and signifies non-discrimination. Holding photographs of Ambedkar, the Opposition members demanded an apology by Shah and a discussion on the entire controversy. The Lok Sabha Speaker adjourned the House till 2 pm within three minutes of the House assembling. When the House reassembled, the protests continued and some of the Opposition MPs stepped up on the podium. Within a minute or so, presiding officer Dilip Saikia adjourned the House.

Earlier, Congress MP Manickam Tagore had submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, pushing for a discussion on Shah's remarks on Ambedkar. He called for an apology from the Union home minister, and demanded his resignation. Tagore wrote in his notice, "The home minister, while delivering his address, made remarks that insulted and disrespected Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of our Constitution. This is a matter of grave concern, as it not only undermines Dr Ambedkar's legacy but also tarnishes the ideals of justice, equality, and social harmony that our Constitution upholds."


"These remarks not only demean Dr Ambedkar's legacy but also cause deep hurt to the Dalit community and millions of Indians who consider Dr Ambedkar as a guiding light for social justice and empowerment," he added.