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The recent comments by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the lack of representation of Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC women in the Miss India pageant have sparked a heated debate with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. Gandhi's assertion, made during a Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, highlighted his concern about the lack of inclusivity in various sectors of Indian society, including the Miss India competition, Bollywood, and media. He argued that the '90 percent' of the population, referring to the marginalized communities, lacked adequate representation in these areas.
Rijiju, however, vehemently dismissed Gandhi's statements, labeling them as 'juvenile' and calling for a fact-check. He cited the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal President of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who belongs to the OBC community, as evidence of the government's commitment to inclusivity. He also highlighted the record number of cabinet ministers from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities, further emphasizing the government's efforts to promote social equality.
The controversy surrounding Gandhi's comments has brought into focus the ongoing debate over the caste census in India. Gandhi's demand for a caste census reflects the desire of many to ensure equitable representation and address social disparities. The debate underscores the complex relationship between social inclusivity, representation, and the role of the government in promoting equal opportunities. While Rijiju focused on the achievements of the current government in terms of representation, Gandhi's argument centered on the need for continued vigilance and action to ensure the participation of marginalized communities in all aspects of society.
Source: No Dalit In Miss India List, Says Rahul Gandhi. Blame Bal Budhi, Says Kiren Rijiju