Ambedkar row: RLD UP spokesperson says ‘Dalit community hurt’, urges Shah to tender apology; party distances itself from comments

Agra: Reacting to Union home minister Amit Shah’s comments on BR Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha, RLD’s UP spokesperson Kamal Gautam, who hails from the Dalit community, during a media interaction in Muzaffarnagar on Friday, said that Shah’s remarks were “inappropriate” and he should “apologise”.

“Dr Ambedkar is a symbol of justice and equality for millions. Remarks made by Amit Shah are inappropriate. Criticising him (Ambedkar) is an insult to those who worship and revere him. He must apologise,” Gautam said.

Gautam further said, “RLD is not planning any protest. But our alliance with the BJP does not mean endorsing of comments against Dr Ambedkar.”

Meanwhile, RLD’s state general secretary, Ajit Rathi told TOI that the statement made by Kamal Gautam was “his personal opinion and has nothing to do with the party.” Notably, RLD is a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and its national chairman Jayant Chaudhary currently holds the portfolio of minister of state (independent charge) in the Union ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship.

Courtesy : TOI

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