
The Parliament, a sacred space of democratic ideals, witnessed a moment of shocking audacity—a moment that left many wondering how far the arrogance of power can stretch.
The Home Minister of India, a man who once bore the title of “tadipaar” (exiled), stood on the floor of the very house that symbolizes the values of liberty, equality, and justice. And what did he do? He ridiculed none other than Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
With a smirk that betrayed his true intent, Amit Shah dismissed the reverence for Ambedkar as nothing more than a “fashion” for some. He suggested that those who chant Ambedkar’s name would have been better off chanting “Bhagwan Bhagwan” to attain heaven.
But in these words lay a deeper insult—one that was not just an affront to Ambedkar but to the millions of marginalized people for whom the Constitution is a shield against systemic oppression.
This was not a slip of the tongue. This was calculated. This was deliberate. And it was deeply revealing. In his words echoed the ideology of the BJP-RSS—a belief system rooted in Manusmriti, an ancient text that enshrines caste hierarchy and denies equality to large sections of society.
What made this affront even more egregious was its timing. Shah chose to make this statement during a discussion on the “75 glorious years of the Indian Constitution.” Irony died a thousand deaths as the Home Minister, who is sworn to uphold the Constitution, publicly expressed disdain for its very spirit.
Dr. Ambedkar envisioned the Constitution as a tool to dismantle centuries of caste oppression, to guarantee dignity, and to ensure justice for all. Shah’s words were a brazen attempt to undermine this vision, a stark reminder of the BJP’s deeper ideological allegiance to Manusmriti—a text that sanctions inequality and caste-based discrimination.
The insult was not lost on the people of India. It echoed through the hearts of those who revere Ambedkar’s legacy, who see him as a beacon of hope and progress. And it brought into sharp focus the ideological battle that Rahul Gandhi has often spoken about: the Manusmriti vs. the Constitution.
This moment was not just about an individual’s words; it was a reflection of a mindset. It was a reminder of the BJP’s disdain for the principles of social justice and equality. And it was a wake-up call for every Indian who values the Constitution and the rights it guarantees.
As Modi and Shah bask in their arrogance, buoyed by power, they seem to have forgotten the lessons of humility. The recent electoral thrashing in the Lok Sabha should have been a moment of introspection, but instead, it seems to have emboldened their contempt for democratic values.
The people of India have always risen to protect their rights and their dignity. They have seen through the BJP’s attempt to undermine the Constitution, and they will remember this insult to Ambedkar. The ballot box is a powerful equalizer, and history has shown that arrogance is often met with resounding defeat.
In the end, the insult to Dr. Ambedkar is not just an insult to an individual; it is an affront to the very idea of India—a nation built on the promise of equality, justice, and dignity for all. The people of India will respond, as they always do, with courage and determination, reminding those in power that no one, not even the Home Minister, is above the Constitution.
Frank Huzur is an author and journalist.