Jayant Chaudhary Removes RLD Spokespersons Amid Row Over Dalit Leader’s Remarks on Amit Shah

Summary:

• RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary removed all national and state spokespersons following controversial remarks by Kamal Gautam.
• Gautam had criticized Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and demanded an apology, sparking controversy.
• The decision reflects internal tensions within the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and its alliance with the NDA.

Key Details:

The Trigger: Kamal Gautam’s Remarks

• Kamal Gautam, a Dalit leader and RLD spokesperson, called Amit Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar “inappropriate” and demanded an apology.
• Gautam’s criticism extended to rising crimes against Dalits and women, citing incidents of temple harassment and lack of legal action.
• He emphasized his lifelong allegiance to Ambedkar’s legacy, stating it’s his “birthright” to speak out on such issues.

Party’s Reaction:

• Immediate Dismissal: All national and state spokespersons were removed to address internal dissatisfaction and alliance obligations.
• NDA Dynamics: The comments reportedly strained RLD’s alliance with the BJP-led NDA, prompting swift disciplinary action.
• Clarifications by Leadership: RLD state president Ramashish Rai confirmed the decision while declining to comment on whether Gautam’s remarks angered Jayant Chaudhary.

Broader Implications:

• Internal Tensions: The controversy highlighted differences within the RLD, especially among its SC/ST leaders.
• Alliance Challenges: Gautam’s statement and subsequent dismissal illustrate the balancing act required to navigate ideological commitments within a political coalition.
• Legacy of Ambedkar: Gautam reiterated that speaking out against perceived injustices aligns with Ambedkar’s principles and the party’s ideological roots stemming from Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Conclusion:

The removal of RLD spokespersons underscores the challenges of maintaining alliance unity while respecting diverse voices within a political party. Kamal Gautam’s remarks have sparked a debate about ideological loyalty versus coalition dynamics, leaving questions about how the RLD will navigate future tensions with the NDA.