Karnataka Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa strongly condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about Dr BR Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha on December 17. Mahadevappa asserted that it is the Constitution, drafted by Ambedkar, that safeguards the rights of the oppressed, not divine intervention.

“If we recall the situation of untouchable communities in India’s history, there is no example of God protecting them during times of extreme humiliation and violence,” Mahadevappa said in a statement on Wednesday. He emphasised that Ambedkar’s Constitution is a daily shield for untouchables, women, and other oppressed groups, offering real protection and justice.

Criticising Shah’s comment that repeated invocation of Ambedkar’s name has become a “fashion” and comparing it to taking God’s name, Mahadevappa retorted, “Had these people sat chanting the name of Amit Shah’s God, they would have joined God’s feet by now.”

Mahadevappa joined Opposition leaders in demanding Shah’s resignation, arguing that his remarks insulted the architect of the Indian Constitution. “Shah should not only step down as Union Home Minister but also apologise to the people for his derogatory statement,” he said.

The Minister invoked Ambedkar’s philosophy, saying, “I am reminded again and again of Babasaheb’s words: ‘No religion or God will save us, but education, rationality, and scientific spirit are the keys to change our lives’.”

Shah’s original statement, “It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had taken God’s name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven,” has faced widespread backlash from various Opposition leaders and social activists, who view it as an affront to Ambedkar’s contributions and legacy.

Responding to the row over his remarks, Amit Shah said, “My statements were misrepresented. Congress spreads fake news. I can never speak against Ambedkar ji.”

“They (Congress) distorted my remarks (on Dr BR Ambedkar) and presented them in front of the public. I urge everyone to listen to my entire remark, it will clarify everything. I come from a party and the society that can never insult Dr BR Ambedkar even in the dreams,” Amit Shah added.