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The Indian Parliament witnessed a heated exchange on Tuesday, fueled by the ongoing debate over a caste census. The controversy was sparked by BJP leaders, who questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's caste. This inquiry came in response to the Congress party's consistent demand for a caste-based census, a demand that has been met with resistance from the ruling BJP. The BJP sees the demand as a tool to further divide the country along caste lines, a claim vehemently denied by the Congress.
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, a member of the BJP, accused the Congress of using caste as a political tool, alleging that they bring up the topic constantly. He pointed to Rahul Gandhi's inquiries about the caste of journalists, armed forces personnel, and individuals encountered during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, a nationwide foot march, while refusing to reveal his own caste. The minister questioned the Congress's motives, suggesting they were attempting to create division and exploit caste-based sentiments.
Union minister Giriraj Singh, also from the BJP, went a step further, challenging Rahul Gandhi to sue him for asking about his caste and religion. Singh's statement further intensified the controversy, leading to an uproar in the Lok Sabha. Senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur, referencing Rahul Gandhi, stated that those who are unclear about their own caste are calling for a caste census, implying that the Congress's push for the census was hypocritical.
Rahul Gandhi, while acknowledging he was insulted by the caste inquiry, stated that the incident did not bother him. However, Akhilesh Yadav, a leader from the Samajwadi Party, expressed his disapproval, questioning Thakur's behavior and emphasizing the inappropriateness of asking for anyone's caste on the floor of the House. The exchange highlights the deep political divide in India over the issue of caste and the sensitivity surrounding caste-based inquiries. The ongoing debate over a caste census is likely to continue to fuel tensions in the Indian political landscape.
The debate over a caste census in India reflects the complex social and political realities of the country. The demand for a caste census is rooted in the desire to understand the socioeconomic conditions of different caste groups and to ensure their representation in government and society. However, the BJP, which has a strong base among upper-caste communities, opposes the census, arguing that it would exacerbate caste divisions and fuel social unrest. The issue of caste is deeply embedded in Indian society, and any discussion about it is fraught with sensitivities.
Source: Caste row: Why is it wrong to ask Rahul Gandhi's caste? ask BJP leaders