"AILAJ Condemns Amit Shah’s Remarks on Dr. Ambedkar, Demands Apology"

"Lawyers Rally in Cuttack to Defend Babasaheb’s Legacy, Protest Home Minister’s Statements"

AILAJ Protests Against Amit Shah’s Statements on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Demands Apology

Cuttack, Odisha: The All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ) staged a protest at its second National Conference in Cuttack, Odisha, condemning the recent statements made by Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Delegates from 17 states gathered to demand an immediate withdrawal of Shah’s remarks, an apology, and his resignation, citing the statements as disrespectful and detrimental to Dr. Ambedkar's legacy.

On December 17, Amit Shah referred to Dr. Ambedkar’s work and legacy in a manner that AILAJ called "mocking" and "highly condemnable." The statements, according to the association, undermine the immense contribution of Dr. Ambedkar—the architect of the Indian Constitution—towards establishing social justice, democracy, and equality in India. Calling his legacy a "fashion" betrays an entrenched disregard for his pivotal role in shaping modern India, the organization asserted.

The protest in Cuttack resonated with AILAJ’s long-standing commitment to preserving and celebrating Dr. Ambedkar's work. As a visionary leader, Dr. Ambedkar championed equality, liberty, fraternity, and the annihilation of caste. His contributions extended beyond drafting the Constitution; he was a formidable advocate for gender equality and an ally of the working class. As a lawyer, he tirelessly fought for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable communities, making his legacy one of justice and reform.

The association expressed grave concern over the timing and context of Amit Shah’s statements, which come amidst what they called "concerted efforts to undermine the Constitution." They pointed to the introduction of the controversial ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to India’s pluralistic culture, federal framework, and democratic spirit. According to AILAJ, the bill seeks to centralize power, erode the unique contexts of state elections, and limit political choices for the people.

Highlighting Dr. Ambedkar’s vision, AILAJ emphasized that he had categorically declared in the Constituent Assembly that states are independent of the Union government in their legislative and executive authority. The current bill, AILAJ argued, violates this principle, undermining the federal structure and the constitutional guarantee of distinct five-year terms for state assemblies.

AILAJ called upon the legal fraternity to unite in opposing Shah’s remarks and any attempts to dismantle the Constitution. "We must reaffirm our commitment to defending Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and his dream of an egalitarian India," the association urged.

The protest served as a powerful reminder of Dr. Ambedkar's enduring vision and a call to action against perceived threats to his legacy and India’s democratic framework.

 

Quotes

1. "Mocking Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy is not just an insult to one individual but to the very foundation of equality, justice, and democracy in India." – AILAJ Spokesperson
2. "Amit Shah’s remarks betray a mindset that undermines the values Babasaheb fought for—an egalitarian India free from caste and oppression." – AILAJ Delegate
3. "Dr. Ambedkar's vision was of a Constitution that empowers, not centralizes. Any attempt to dismantle this dream must be resisted." – Legal Expert at AILAJ Conference

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