Protesters in Kalaburagi staged a citywide bandh on Tuesday in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial statement on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar during a recent Parliament session. The bandh, organized by Dalit organizations, saw shops, transportation, and local businesses shut down, as residents joined in to express their disapproval of Shah’s remarks. The city witnessed no traffic movement, with buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis remaining off the roads. Authorities have deployed significant police forces to ensure law and order, with no major incidents reported so far.

The bandh followed Shah’s statement in the Rajya Sabha, where he criticized opposition leaders for frequently invoking Ambedkar’s name, saying, “Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai – Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar… If they had taken God’s name this many times, they’d have a place in heaven.” Dalit organizations, outraged by the remark, accused Shah of disrespecting the architect of the Indian Constitution. Protesters burned tyres and raised slogans against Shah and the BJP at various locations, including city bus stands and major intersections. A large protest march was also held from Nagareshwar School to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding Shah’s resignation as Union Home Minister.

Despite the tensions, officials assured that the situation remains under control. A senior police officer stated, “Adequate security measures are in place to avoid any untoward incidents.” The bandh has drawn national attention, with political leaders like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing their shock over Shah’s comments. Kalaburagi residents continue to emphasize the need for respect and recognition of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy, urging political leaders to exercise caution in their statements.