In a recent political storm, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reignited the debate over caste representation in India, particularly highlighting the lack of Dalit, Tribal, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) women in the Miss India beauty pageant. His comments, made during the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, have drawn sharp criticism from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), notably Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Rahul Gandhi's Claims
At the event, Rahul Gandhi expressed concerns about the representation of marginalized communities in various sectors of Indian society. He stated, "I have checked the list of Miss India, which did not have any Dalit, Adivasi (tribal), or OBC women. Even top anchors in the media are not from the 90 percent", referring to the population of India that comprises these communities. RaGa emphasized that the country could not function effectively without their active participation and reiterated his call for a nationwide caste census. He further criticized the media for focusing on entertainment and sports while ignoring the needs of farmers and laborers.
#WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "...I checked the list of Miss India to see if there would be any Dalit or tribal woman in it, but there was no women from Dalit, tribal or OBC. Still the media talks about dance, music, cricket,… pic.twitter.com/D2mKNs4jzt
— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2024
Rahul Gandhi also took a swipe at the BJP-led government, accusing it of failing to ensure adequate representation of these communities in key sectors. He vowed that if Congress comes to power, it would not only conduct a caste census but also remove the 50 percent cap on reservations imposed by the Supreme Court, arguing that such a limit is unjust and needs to be reevaluated.
BJP's Response
The BJP, however, was quick to counter RaGa's remarks, accusing him of attempting to creat division within the country. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju led the charge, criticizing Gandhi's comments as childish and divisive. "Now, he wants reservations in Miss India competitions, films, and sports! It is not only an issue of 'Bal Buddhi' (juvenile intelligence), but people who cheer him are equally responsible too!" Rijiju said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Now, He wants reservations in Miss India competitions, Films, sports! It is not only issue of "Bal Budhi", but people who cheer him are - equally responsible too!
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 25, 2024
बाल बुद्धि मनोरंजन के लिए अच्छी हो सकती है पर अपनी विभाजनकारी चालों में, हमारे पिछड़े समुदायों का मजाक न उड़ाएं। pic.twitter.com/9Vm7ITwMJX
Rijiju further pointed out that the government does not play a role in selecting candidates for beauty pageants, sports, or films, and accused Gandhi of trying to make a mockery of the reservation system. He also highlighted that India has made significant progress in representation, citing the election of Droupadi Murmu as the first tribal President of India, the OBC background of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the record number of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) ministers in the current cabinet.
Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji can't divide our country. PM @narendramodi Ji made it clear that Supreme Court won't be allowed to alter reservations in IAS, IPS, IFS, all top services recruitment. But he can't see 1st Tribal President, OBC PM, Record Numbers of SC/ST Cabinet Ministers!
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 25, 2024
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari and leader Amit Malviya also weighed in, calling Gandhi's statements misleading and divisive. Bhandari pointed out that a tribal woman, Miss Riya Ekka, had won the Miss India title just two years ago, contradicting Gandhi's claim of zero representation. Malviya criticized Gandhi's "politics of balak buddhi" and accused him of spreading falsehoods to push his agenda.
Not long ago, just 2 years back, a tribal girl from Chhattisgarh, Miss Riya Ekka, won the Miss India title.
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) August 25, 2024
Rahul Gandhi's plan is divisive and it's full of falsehood pic.twitter.com/vMJXGRwBwX
The Broader Debate
Rahul Gandhi's renewed push for a caste census has once again brought the issue of representation to the forefront of Indian politics. His insistence that a caste census is essential for informed policymaking reflects the Congress party's strategy to appeal to marginalized communities by promising greater inclusion and fairness. However, the BJP's rebuttal underscores the party's stance that such moves could deepen societal divisions rather than promote unity.
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The ongoing debate highlights the complex & sensitive nature of caste in India, where questions of representation, equity, and social justice continue to be hotly contested. As the 2024 general elections approach, the discourse around these issues is likely to intensify, with both parties attempting to position themselves as champions of the underrepresented while accusing the other of spreading division and inequality.
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