Rahul Gandhi’s Allegation of Insult
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused BJP MP Anurag Thakur of insulting him during a Lok Sabha debate. The tension rose when Thakur remarked about those discussing caste census without revealing their caste. Gandhi took this as a personal attack, highlighting that raising issues of Adivasi, Dalit, and backward communities often results in abuse.
Anurag Thakur’s Clarification
Anurag Thakur defended his statement, clarifying he did not name anyone specifically. He mentioned that his comment was directed at people discussing the caste census without proper understanding. Despite the clarification, the controversy did not settle, with Gandhi insisting Thakur’s words were offensive.
Rahul Gandhi’s Promise of Caste Census
Gandhi reiterated his promise to conduct a nationwide caste census if the INDIA bloc came to power. He stressed the importance of this exercise for understanding the demographics of backward, Dalit, and tribal populations. This promise was one of the Congress party’s key pledges during the 2024 general elections.
Historical Context of Caste Census
The idea of a caste census is not new in India. The last caste-based census was conducted in 1931, and since then, there have been demands to update the data. Rahul Gandhi has been a strong advocate for this, calling it the “X-Ray of India,” essential for understanding the population distribution of various caste groups.
BJP’s Criticism of Congress
The BJP has accused the Congress of trying to divide the country on caste lines with the promise of a caste census. They argue that such measures could potentially create more rifts within society rather than promoting unity.
Rahul Gandhi’s Response to Criticism
Despite the criticism, Rahul Gandhi remains firm on his stance. He believes that knowing the exact numbers of backward, Dalit, and tribal populations is crucial for formulating effective policies. He assured that the caste census would bring significant change once implemented.
Anurag Thakur’s Final Stand
Anurag Thakur, on his part, maintained that his intention was not to insult anyone but to highlight the complexities surrounding the caste census debate. He stood by his statement, asserting that it was meant to provoke thoughtful discussion rather than personal attacks.
Rahul Gandhi’s Continued Advocacy
Rahul Gandhi continues to advocate for the rights of Adivasi, Dalit, and backward communities. He remains committed to his promise of a caste census and insists that it is a step towards greater equality and representation in India.