Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 20: The Udupi District Congress staged a protest at Oscar Fernandes Circle on December 20, condemning Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Dr B R Ambedkar, and BJP leader C T Ravi for his alleged comments against Karnataka minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar during a parliamentary session.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, chairman of the campaign committee, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, said, “The incident during the Belagavi cabinet meeting is a significant humiliation for the entire nation. Dr B R Ambedkar, who framed our Constitution, stands unparalleled in his contributions. Just as Valmiki authored the Ramayana and Vedavyasa the Mahabharata, Ambedkar created the Constitution to empower the nation. However, some today only value the Constitution as a means to gain power while harboring a negative attitude toward Ambedkar. As the saying goes, ‘holy words from a ghost’s mouth,’ Amit Shah’s remarks go against the very essence of the Constitution. Ambedkar, who earned 29 doctorates and wrote nearly 20,000 theses, remains unmatched in history.”
Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, president of Udupi District Congress, remarked, “For many years, the Congress government has governed the nation with the Constitution as its guiding principle. Respecting women is a fundamental part of Indian culture. The Udupi District Congress strongly protests the insult to women during the state cabinet meeting and demands the removal of C T Ravi’s membership.”
Uday Kumar Shetty, a Congress leader, said, “In today’s democratic nation, our strength comes from the Constitution. This incident is deeply humiliating. C T Ravi must be imprisoned for insulting a woman.”
Prasad Raj Kanchan, another Congress leader, added, “We regard the Constitution as our holy book, and disrespecting it is akin to disrespecting our sacred beliefs. Amit Shah rose to power using the name of Hindus. The Constitution guarantees equal opportunity for everyone, yet since the BJP came to power, they have consistently ignored the poor and marginalized. Amit Shah must face consequences for his actions. Similarly, C T Ravi’s derogatory remarks about district in-charge minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar are unacceptable. Would they speak in such a manner to their own family or sisters? He too must be punished accordingly.”
The protest also featured Dalit leader Shankar Das, who sang songs in praise of Dr B R Ambedkar, highlighting his enduring legacy.
Udupi Block Congress president Ramesh Kanchan, former MLA Gopal Poojary, and leaders Kishan Hegde Kolkebail, Veronica Cornelio, Sunitha Shetty, Harish Kini, and others actively participated in the protest.