Modi and Shah respond in kind

As Opposition goes on the offensive on the Ambedkar issue and calls for HM's sacking

- Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

With the Opposition firing on all cylinders over the remarks he made in the Rajya Sabha on Dr B.R Ambedkar, Home Minister Amit Shah has said his statements were distorted and misrepresented.

Under the scanner were the following remarks: “Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar Bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to chant Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven).“

With the Opposition taking umbrage, Shah met PM Modi and decided to respond in kind, pointing out that the Congress is spreading a canard. “I can never speak against Ambedkar ji. My full statement needs to be seen. It will clarify matters. I come from a party that can never insult Dr Ambedkar even in dreams,” the minister explained.

Earlier in the day, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a press conference and demanded the sacking of the Home Minister. “Our demand is that Amit Shah should apologise.”