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The recent comments by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the lack of Dalit and Adivasi representation in the Miss India beauty pageant have sparked a heated political debate in India. Gandhi, while advocating for a caste census at a Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, pointed out the absence of women from marginalized communities in the Miss India list, highlighting a broader issue of inclusivity in various fields. He went on to say that India's functioning is hampered by the exclusion of the '90%' population, referring to marginalized communities.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, responding to Gandhi's statement on social media platform X, termed it 'juvenile' and criticized the demand for reservations in beauty pageants, films, and sports. He questioned the logic behind such demands and expressed concern over the encouragement of such sentiments by Gandhi's supporters. Rijiju's response reflects the prevailing political divide in India, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) often emphasizing meritocracy and opposing reservation policies, which are seen as affirmative action measures to uplift marginalized communities.
Gandhi's statement, while seemingly focused on the Miss India pageant, reflects a larger concern about social and economic exclusion faced by Dalit, Adivasi, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities in India. The debate around caste census, which Gandhi actively advocates for, is directly linked to the question of inclusivity and representation. Gandhi believes that a caste census would provide a more accurate picture of the social and economic realities of these communities, facilitating targeted policies for their upliftment. The controversy surrounding Gandhi's comment highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding caste and representation in Indian society, issues that continue to be debated and discussed in the political sphere.
Source: No Dalit in Miss India, says Rahul; statement juvenile, retorts BJP