Belagavi, Dec 19 (Representaive) The Karnataka Legislative Assembly plunged into turmoil on Thursday as Congress legislators accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of making controversial remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the revered architect of Indian Constitution. The incident unfolded during a discussion on the troubling issue of maternal deaths in various parts of the state, particularly Ballari.The uproar began when Opposition Leader R Ashoka was addressing the assembly on the maternal health crisis. As he spoke, Congress MLA HC Balakrishna interrupted him, voicing intentions to move a resolution condemning the alleged remarks attributed to Shah. Balakrishna claimed that Shah’s comments had insulted the legacy of Dr Ambedkar, leading to immediate protests from Congress members. In response, several Congress MLAs stood up, holding photographs of Dr Ambedkar and raising slogans such as “Ambedkar Zindabad” and “BJP Insults Dalit Icons.” The lawmakers demanded an official condemnation of Shah’s remarks and insisted that the state government take a united stand against such insults.Assembly Speaker UT Khader, struggled to bring the situation under control, repeatedly urging the members to allow the discussion on maternal deaths to continue.
However, the protests intensified, with Congress legislators accusing the BJP of downplaying the issue and trying to divert attention from the critical matters at hand. Amid the rising tension, BJP members firmly denied the allegations, claiming there was no evidence to support Congress party’s claims. BJP leaders accused the opposition of politicising the matter, arguing that the Congress was attempting to derail the important conversation on maternal health by shifting focus to unsubstantiated remarks. The atmosphere in the Assembly became increasingly charged as Congress MLAs continued to chant slogans, demanding that the state assembly adopt a resolution condemning Shah’s remarks. The protests extended beyond the floor, as media outlets covered the chaotic scenes inside the Assembly.
In the face of escalating protests and a breakdown in proceedings, Speaker Khader was forced to adjourn the session temporarily to allow members to cool down. The session is expected to resume later in the day, with the Speaker hoping for a more orderly atmosphere to continue legislative work.While the incident remains unresolved, Congress leaders have reiterated their demand for a resolution condemning the alleged remarks. They have also called for a broader discussion on the treatment of Dalit icons by members of the ruling BJP. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have dismissed the controversy, accusing the opposition of exploiting the issue for political gain. The ruckus has intensified political tensions in the state, with the matter now expected to dominate political discussions. Both parties are likely to continue their arguments in the days ahead, with the legislative session scheduled to conclude today. As the assembly reconvenes, all eyes will be on whether a resolution will be passed or if the matter will remain unresolved, further fuelling the growing political divide in the state.