BY Mohammad Tarique Saleem
On December 21, 2024, the Samajwadi Party (SP) organized a ‘Halla Bol’ protest at the District Magistrate’s office in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, condemning Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The SP accused Shah of disrespecting the principal architect of India’s Constitution and demanded a public apology. The protest saw a significant turnout of SP leaders and supporters, who marched through the streets of Lucknow, chanting slogans and holding placards denouncing Shah’s statements.
Addressing the gathering, SP leaders said, “Any attempt to undermine the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is an affront to the values enshrined in our Constitution. We demand an immediate retraction of the derogatory remarks made by the Home Minister and a sincere apology to the nation.” The protestors submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate, outlining their demands and expressing their discontent with the central government’s stance. They warned of intensified nationwide protests if their concerns were not addressed promptly.
The controversy began earlier this week when Amit Shah, during a parliamentary debate, made comments that were perceived as disparaging towards Dr. Ambedkar. Opposition parties, including the SP, criticized Shah for allegedly undermining Ambedkar’s legacy. The incident has sparked a series of protests across the country, with various political parties and social organizations expressing solidarity with Ambedkar’s ideals.
In response to the backlash, Shah clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he holds Dr. Ambedkar in the highest regard. However, opposition parties remain unconvinced, demanding a formal apology and retraction of his statements. The ‘Halla Bol’ protest in Lucknow is part of a broader movement by the SP to mobilize public opinion against what they perceive as attempts to dilute the principles of social justice and equality championed by Dr. Ambedkar.
The party has announced plans to organize similar protests in other parts of the state and country in the coming days. As the situation unfolds, the central government faces increasing pressure to address the concerns raised by the opposition and civil society groups. The controversy has also reignited debates about the interpretation of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and its relevance in contemporary Indian politics.
