Union Minister Kiren Rijiju intensified his criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent statements regarding the absence of Dalit, Tribal, and OBC women in the Miss India beauty pageant, labeling Gandhi's views as not only "childish" but also "misguided." Rijiju took to social media to voice his concerns, remarking, "Now, he wants reservations in Miss India competitions, films, sports! It is not only an issue of 'Bal Budhi' (childish mentality), but the people who cheer him are equally responsible too!"
Rijiju's remarks came in response to Gandhi's comments made during the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where Gandhi emphasized the lack of representation from marginalized communities in the Miss India pageant. Gandhi's critique served as a broader commentary on what he perceived as the systemic exclusion of Dalit, Tribal, and OBC individuals from various societal platforms. He connected this exclusion to his longstanding demand for a nationwide caste census, which he argues is essential for creating a foundation for effective and equitable policymaking.
Gandhi expressed concern that the mainstream media and public discourse often sideline critical issues faced by marginalized communities in favor of more glamorous topics such as entertainment and sports. He pointed out that while the media heavily covers dance, music, cricket, and Bollywood, it tends to ignore the struggles of farmers, laborers, and the underprivileged, particularly those from Dalit, Tribal, and OBC backgrounds.
The Congress leader's call for a caste census has been a key aspect of his party's electoral promises. The Congress party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections includes a pledge to conduct a nationwide socio-economic caste census if they are elected to power. This census, according to Gandhi, would provide the necessary data to ensure that policies and resources are distributed more fairly across all sections of society.
However, Gandhi's push for a caste census has drawn significant opposition from the ruling BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously responded to Gandhi's proposal by accusing the Congress of attempting to create division and chaos. Modi suggested that the Congress's plan to conduct a caste census and redistribute wealth based on caste lines could lead to favoritism and undermine national unity. His remarks, which implied that such policies could favor "infiltrators" and families with more children, ignited a heated debate and drew sharp reactions from opposition parties.
Rijiju's latest comments underscore the deepening rift between the BJP and Congress on issues of caste representation and social justice. While Gandhi and the Congress party argue that a caste census is crucial for addressing historical inequalities and ensuring fair representation, the BJP views such measures as divisive and potentially harmful to the nation's social fabric. Rijiju's labeling of Gandhi's views as "childish" further reflects the BJP's stance that the Congress leader's approach is simplistic and fails to consider the complexities of governance and national unity.
As the political discourse around these issues continues to evolve, the debate over caste representation, social justice, and the role of the government in addressing these challenges remains a central and contentious topic in India's political landscape. Gandhi's advocacy for a caste census positions him as a champion for the underrepresented, while the BJP's criticism seeks to frame the issue within a broader narrative of national cohesion and stability. The outcome of this debate could significantly influence voter sentiment in the upcoming elections, shaping the future direction of India's policies on caste and social equity.
Â
