Fri Dec 20 06:29:20 UTC 2024: ## Parliament Deadlocked: Ambedkar Remarks Spark Fierce Protests, Case Against Rahul Gandhi

**New Delhi:** The Winter Session of Parliament concluded today amidst a storm of protests sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about B.R. Ambedkar. Congress MPs, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged demonstrations throughout the session, condemning Shah’s comments as an insult to the architect of the Indian Constitution. Simultaneously, BJP MPs also held counter-protests, alleging disrespect to Ambedkar from the Opposition.

The protests culminated in a police case filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following a complaint from the BJP alleging injuries to two of their MPs during a clash outside the Parliament’s Makar Dwar. The Congress, which also filed a complaint alleging injuries to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, has termed the case against Gandhi a “badge of honour” for defending Ambedkar’s legacy.

The initial trigger was Shah’s statement in the Rajya Sabha, where he criticized the frequent invocation of Ambedkar’s name by the opposition. This prompted the Congress and Trinamool Congress to file privilege motions against Shah and demand his resignation. While Shah has denied any wrongdoing and accused the Opposition of distorting his words, Prime Minister Modi has backed him, accusing the Congress of spreading malicious lies.

Amidst the chaos, both Houses passed two ‘One Nation, One Election’ bills and were adjourned sine die. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has issued strict instructions to prevent future protests within the Parliament complex.

The ongoing clashes also highlighted fissures within the Opposition ranks. The Congress struggled to garner support from allies like the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party on key agendas, with both parties expressing a preference for smoother parliamentary proceedings.

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