Shameless act: CM Siddaramaiah slams Amit Shah over Ambedkar remarks

“First, let me congratulate you for finally speaking the truth by openly revealing the BJP's real opinion about Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Your statement in Parliament (18-12-2024) didn’t surprise us; we already knew your party’s true mindset. But now, the entire country has seen your lack of respect for the architect of the Indian Constitution. Standing in the very Parliament that runs under his Constitution and calling his memory a "habit" shows your arrogance. Congratulations, Mr. Shah, for this shameless act! Do not attempt to mislead the nation by saying, "I have immense respect for Babasaheb, and my words were twisted." We are not gullible. Own up to your words and face the nation,” Siddaramaiah said.

He continued “For us, Ambedkar is not a "fashion" but an eternal inspiration. As long as we breathe, as long as the Sun and Moon shine on this Earth, Ambedkar's legacy will endure. The more you try to diminish his memory, the stronger it will rise to guide us forward. While your sycophants might have clapped at your arrogance, remember this: millions across this country, who have gained equality and dignity because of Babasaheb, are condemning you,” he said.

Siddaramaiah highlighted how Ambedkar’s work paved the way for leaders like himself and others from marginalized communities to rise to positions of power.

“Had Dr. Ambedkar not been born, I wouldn't have had the privilege of becoming the Chief Minister today—I might have been herding cattle in my village. Our senior leader, Mallikarjun Kharge Ji, wouldn't have risen to lead the AICC; he might have been working in a factory in Kalaburagi. We owe every step of our progress and dignity to Babasaheb and the Constitution he gave us,” he said.

The letter did not stop at a personal acknowledgment. Siddaramaiah turned the tables, reminding Shah that even BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister, owe their positions to Ambedkar’s vision.

“Not just me—without Ambedkar's contributions, you too wouldn't be the Home Minister today. Instead, you might have been running a scrap business in your hometown. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, your colleague, might still be selling tea at a railway station. Babasaheb’s vision is what elevated us all. Even the Prime Minister might admit this, and so should you. Your hatred for Ambedkar is not new to those who know history,” Siddaramaiah said.

Siddaramaiah then widened his critique to include the RSS.

“Why did your ideological parent, the RSS, reject the Constitution written by Babasaheb during his lifetime? Historical records document the statements of RSS leaders like Hedgewar, Golwalkar, and Savarkar against the Constitution. You may try to suppress these truths, but they cannot be erased. Your remarks in Parliament are just an extension of that long-standing RSS ideology,” he added.

In a sharp retort, Siddaramaiah mirrored Amit Shah’s tone in his conclusion.

“Let me respond in your tone. Your party and its ideological family have now developed a fashion to chant "Modi... Modi... Modi." If only you had invoked the name of God as many times as you chant Modi’s name, you might have secured a place in heaven—not just for seven lifetimes, but for a hundred. Perhaps even your sins, committed solely for clinging to power, might have been forgiven,” he added.