New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) The INDIA bloc conducted a protest march from Vijay Chowk to Parliament on Friday, insisting on an apology and resignation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah due to his comments regarding Dr B.R. Ambedkar, which they deemed derogatory and unacceptable.

The protest by the opposition coalition also criticized the FIR lodged against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, labeling it a diversionary tactic employed by the BJP to distract from HM Shah's remarks.

In a conversation with IANS, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal remarked, "The primary issue is Amit Shah's need to apologize for his unacceptable comments on Dr Ambedkar. The BJP is attempting to divert attention by filing an FIR against Rahul Gandhi."

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari charged the BJP with abusing their power.

"We have also filed an FIR, but it was not registered. This represents a blatant misuse of authority. Even if they resort to lathi charges, we will persist in our protests. Insults directed at Dr Ambedkar will not be tolerated," he told IANS.

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav came to the defense of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, stating to IANS, "He is the Leader of Opposition and would never engage in such actions."

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized HM Shah's unwillingness to apologize, describing it as indicative of the BJP's true stance on Dr Ambedkar.

"His refusal to apologize reveals the fragile ego of Amit Shah. The nation has witnessed his position on Ambedkar. A mere 12-second video summarizes Shah's 90-minute address, demonstrating their (BJP's) contempt for Dr Ambedkar despite their professed respect," she noted.

In a statement to IANS, Congress MP Vivek Tankha termed the Union Home Minister's remarks as shocking and demanded an apology.

Regarding the FIR against Rahul Gandhi, he commented, "The assertion that Rahul Gandhi offended someone is ridiculous. When this matter is presented in court, it will become evident how unfounded it is."

Congress MP Imran Masood alleged that the FIR against Gandhi was a distraction.

"This is the BJP's diversionary tactic to shift focus from the disrespect shown to Baba Saheb. Rahul Gandhi is not someone who can be intimidated," he stated to IANS.

JMM MP Mahua Maji called for the public release of Parliament CCTV footage to clarify the circumstances. "Rahul Gandhi is a senior and mature leader. This is a conspiracy aimed at diverting attention," she asserted.

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan emphasized the peaceful nature of their demonstration.

"Today, we will march and return to the House in a peaceful manner. The Home Minister's remarks about Dr Ambedkar are condemnable. If HM Shah genuinely respected Dr Ambedkar, he would have apologized to avert this situation from escalating," she concluded.