Congress, BJP councillors clash at Chandigarh MC meeting over Amit Shah's remarks on Ambedkar

PTC Web Desk: A heated exchange between Congress and BJP councillors erupted into a physical altercation during the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation meeting on Tuesday. The dispute stemmed from Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, which prompted Congress and AAP councillors to pass a motion demanding his resignation.

The BJP countered by accusing the Congress of undermining Dr BR Ambedkar's legacy during Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure as Prime Minister. The war of words quickly escalated into a scuffle lasting nearly 20 minutes, disrupting the meeting.

The tension intensified when some Congress and AAP leaders described nominated councillor Anil Masih a 'vote thief'. This referred to allegations of ballot tampering during the mayoral elections held earlier this year, where Anil Masih, as the returning officer, was accused of defacing eight ballot papers in favour of the BJP. Masih, who has since apologised unconditionally to the Supreme Court, retorted by mentioning Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s legal troubles in the National Herald case.

The controversy surrounding Amit Shah’s comments has also paralysed the ongoing winter session of Parliament, with opposition parties staging massive protests and demanding his resignation. Members of the NDA and the opposition alliance engaged in heated arguments in the Parliament complex, accusing one another of disrespecting the Dalit icon.