Fri Dec 20 19:50:48 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Legislative Council Plunged into Chaos Over Amit Shah’s Ambedkar Remarks
**Belagavi, Karnataka:** The Karnataka Legislative Council’s winter session in Belagavi descended into chaos on Thursday following Congress members’ protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The protest began with Congress leaders placing photos of Ambedkar on benches, escalating into a shouting match and a physical showdown with BJP members.
The controversy stems from Shah’s reported remarks in the Rajya Sabha, where he reportedly stated that invoking Ambedkar’s name had become a “fashion.” Congress members interpreted this as an insult to the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Congress MLC BK Hariprasad initiated the protest, demanding an immediate discussion on Shah’s statement. He argued that Ambedkar had been insulted, a claim countered by BJP MLC CT Ravi, who suggested a broader debate on historical disrespect towards Ambedkar.
Despite initial agreement from Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti to allow a debate, the decision was later reversed, citing Shah’s absence from the House to defend himself. This led to further uproar, with Congress members waving Ambedkar’s photos and shouting slogans. The BJP responded with their own placards.
The ensuing chaos disrupted the scheduled business, including the passage of the Mysuru Development Authority Bill. Despite repeated adjournments, the situation remained unresolved, with the Chairman ultimately ruling out any discussion on Shah’s comments due to procedural limitations. Congress members strongly condemned this decision, accusing the BJP of undermining Ambedkar’s legacy. The session concluded in disarray. The incident highlights the deep political divisions surrounding Ambedkar’s legacy and the ongoing tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Karnataka.
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