The Lok Sabha experienced significant uproar on Tuesday after BJP MP Anurag Thakur made a veiled jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the issue of the caste census. Thakur commented, "The one whose caste is not known is talking about the census," sparking immediate reactions and heated exchanges among the MPs.
Rahul Gandhi quickly interrupted Thakur's speech, responding, "You can insult me as much as you want, but you should not forget that we will get the caste census bill passed in Parliament." His firm statement caused further commotion, with MPs from various parties voicing their discontent and the House struggling to maintain order. Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the proceedings, made efforts to restore calm, but the unrest continued unabated.
In the midst of the uproar, Rahul Gandhi took a stand, saying, "Whoever in this country speaks for the downtrodden, fights for them, they have to take abuses from others. I will take all the abuses happily... Like Arjun in Mahabharata, I can only see the fish's eye. We will get the caste census done. That's it. You can abuse me however many times you like." He further claimed that Anurag Thakur had "abused him and insulted him," but emphasized, "I do not want an apology from him. I do not need it."
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav also weighed in on the debate, questioning the propriety of asking about someone's caste. "How can you ask someone's caste? You cannot ask anyone's caste," he asserted, adding another layer to the heated discussion. Yadav's intervention highlighted the broader implications of the caste census and the sensitivity of caste-related issues in India.
The clash between Thakur and Gandhi underscored the contentious nature of the caste census issue and the deep-seated political tensions surrounding it. The exchange not only reflected the divisions within the Parliament but also the high stakes involved in the discourse on social justice and representation in India. The call for a caste census has been a longstanding demand from various political and social groups, who argue that it is essential for ensuring equitable distribution of resources and representation.
The uproar in the Lok Sabha also drew reactions from other political leaders and commentators. Many saw Thakur's remarks as indicative of the BJP's stance on the caste census, while others viewed Gandhi's passionate response as a reiteration of the Congress party's commitment to social justice. The debate highlighted the divergent perspectives on how best to address caste inequalities and the role of the government in tackling these issues.
Outside the Parliament, the discussion on the caste census continued to gain traction, with activists and civil society groups weighing in on the matter. They emphasized the importance of accurate caste data for formulating effective policies and programs aimed at addressing social disparities. The demand for a caste census is seen as part of a broader movement towards greater transparency and accountability in governance.
In the backdrop of these developments, the political atmosphere in India remains charged, with the caste census emerging as a key issue in the run-up to the next general elections. The debate in the Lok Sabha is likely to have significant implications for the electoral strategies of major political parties, as they seek to align themselves with the aspirations and concerns of different social groups.
As the session progressed, it became clear that the issue of caste census would remain a focal point of political discourse in India. The heated exchanges in the Lok Sabha were a reminder of the complex and deeply rooted nature of caste issues in the country, and the need for thoughtful and inclusive approaches to addressing them. The coming weeks and months will likely see continued discussions and deliberations on this critical issue, both within the Parliament and beyond.
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