Thu Dec 19 19:19:59 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Erupts in Protests Over Amit Shah’s Ambedkar Remarks

**Chennai, December 20, 2024** – Widespread protests swept across Tamil Nadu on Thursday following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks on B.R. Ambedkar. The DMK, Congress, VCK, CPI(M), and MNM, among other parties, condemned Shah’s statements, accusing him of denigrating the legacy of the Dalit icon.

DMK cadre, led by organizing secretary R.S. Bharathi, staged demonstrations across the state, demanding Shah’s dismissal. Bharathi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action, asserting that such remarks disrespect the sentiments of protesters. Law Minister S. Regupathy criticized AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for remaining silent on the issue, alleging his silence amounted to tacit support for those attempting to disparage Dr. Ambedkar. Palaniswami, however, dismissed Regupathy’s criticism and reiterated the AIADMK’s condemnation of those disrespecting Ambedkar’s legacy.

The Congress also joined the protests, with TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai refuting Shah’s claims that the Congress had ignored Ambedkar’s contributions. CPI(M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan led demonstrations in Chennai, echoing the widespread anger over Shah’s remarks. M.H. Jawahirullah, president of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, denounced Shah’s speech as an attempt to alter the Constitution.

Protests took various forms, including rail rokos and road blockades in several districts, leading to some arrests. In Madurai, a rail roko by VCK members briefly halted the Guruvayur Express. Similar demonstrations occurred in Dindigul, where attempts to burn Shah’s effigy were thwarted by police. Large-scale protests were also reported in Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Nagapattinam, Coimbatore, Pudukottai, Mayiladuthurai, and Karur.

MNM president Kamal Haasan added his voice to the chorus of condemnation, declaring that any attempt to diminish Ambedkar’s legacy would be met with resistance. The widespread nature and intensity of the protests highlight the deep-seated anger and concern over Shah’s statements within Tamil Nadu.

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