Rijiju further accused Gandhi of attempting to incite national divisions with his frequent calls for a caste census...
Digital Desk: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday launched a sharp critique against Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party leader, in response to Gandhi’s recent comments about the lack of representation of women from Dalit, tribal, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities in the "Miss India" pageant.
Rijiju took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval, accusing Gandhi of overstepping by demanding reservations in various fields including beauty pageants, films, and sports.
“Now, he wants reservations at Miss India competitions, films, and sports! It is not only an issue of 'Bal Budhi,' but people who cheer him are equally responsible too!” Rijiju wrote, dismissing Gandhi's comments as absurd and highlighting a perceived disconnect between Gandhi’s statements and practical issues.
Rijiju further accused Gandhi of attempting to incite national divisions with his frequent calls for a caste census. He defended the government’s stance, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's position on maintaining the status quo for reservations in top civil services. "Rahul Gandhi Ji can't divide our country. PM Narendra Modi ji made it clear that the Supreme Court won't be allowed to alter reservations in IAS, IPS, IFS, and all top services recruitment. But he can't see the 1st Tribal President, OBC PM, and record numbers of SC/ST Cabinet Ministers!” Rijiju asserted.
Rahul Gandhi had earlier, during a speech at the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, reiterated his call for a nationwide caste census. He criticized the lack of representation of Dalit, tribal, and OBC women in the Miss India pageant, pointing out that none of the contestants came from these communities. Gandhi lamented the media's focus on entertainment and sports rather than pressing issues concerning farmers and laborers.
He also promised that a future Congress government would conduct a comprehensive caste census and work to eliminate the 50 percent cap on reservations. "We will conduct a caste census, and the 50 percent cap on reservation, which I don't accept, will be removed. First, we should have the data regarding the participation of different castes in various institutions. Talks of reservation are always held, but they never get a chance," Gandhi stated.
In addition, Gandhi mocked the Narendra Modi-led government’s recent recruitment advertisements, suggesting that the opportunity for lateral entry positions would not benefit those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He claimed, "Lateral entry ho jati hai, main aapko guarantee de raha hun lateral entry mein 90 percent wala aapko koi nahi milega," underscoring his criticism of the current administration's approach to inclusive recruitment.
Leave A Comment