RLD Removes All Spokespersons After Amit Shah Ambedkar Statement Sparks Controversy

The Rashtriya Lok Dal, under the leadership of Jayant Chaudhary, has removed all its national and Uttar Pradesh-based spokespersons from their posts. This decision comes after an RLD spokesperson criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement in the Rajya Sabha, and the party leadership acted quickly.

Amit Shah's Controversial Statement

 Amit Shah, responding to a discussion on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, said, "Today, it has become a fashion to repeatedly invoke the name of Ambedkar. If one took Ambedkar's name as many times as God's, he would secure heaven for seven lifetimes." Shah was aimed at the Congress, questioning the party's sincerity towards the legacy of Ambedkar.

He expanded further on Ambedkar's resignation from the first Cabinet, saying that his policies on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and on Article 370 were not suitable.
He also read the portions from the Jawaharlal Nehru's letters, suggesting that the man had downplayed Ambedkar's exit from the cabinet.

RLD's Action and Statement

The RLD issued a statement revoking the appointments of all its spokespersons with immediate effect. Though the party has not officially named the spokesperson responsible, the action seems to address the fallout from the criticism of Shah's remarks.
The decision by the RLD signals its intent to maintain discipline and avoid further controversies that could affect its political standing.

Political Reactions

This incident has sparked a debate as opposition parties are questioning Amit Shah's statement on Ambedkar and are pointing out that the BJP is diluting his legacy. Simultaneously, the decision by RLD to take back its spokespersons has highlighted the party's concern about damage control.