BSP chief Mayawati questions Rahul Gandhi, over Congress track record, on issue of caste census
BSP chief Mayawati has sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks on caste census and reservation. In a post on social media, she questioned why the Congress Party, which held power for so many years, did not conduct a caste census.
Gandhi's statements were made during a 'Constitutional Respect and Protection' event in Prayagraj, where he advocated for the removal of barriers to 50% reservation, asserting that "90% of people are outside the system" and cannot be ignored.
Mayawati’s response highlights her frustration with the Congress Party's track record. She accused the party of hypocrisy, noting that it has never honoured key figures like Baba Saheb Ambedkar with the Bharat Ratna or observed any state mourning for Kanshi Ram after his death. Mayawati criticized Congress for its inaction on caste census and questioned its commitment to SC/ST reservation in light of recent Supreme Court decisions and ongoing debates.
Gandhi's call for a nationwide caste census came during the event, where he also pointed out the lack of representation of Dalits, tribals, and OBCs in high-profile fields such as Bollywood and media. He argued that this underrepresentation of 90% of the population needs to be addressed.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also alleged that the BJP might claim that his demand for a caste census is an attempt to divide the country. Gandhi emphasized the need to include more diverse voices in national institutions and media.