BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Challenges Rahul Gandhi on Caste Census, Slams Congress Over OBC Reservations

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/8th August 2024

In a fiery exchange, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey confronted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the ongoing debate surrounding the caste census in Karnataka. Dubey questioned Gandhi’s stance, arguing that the Congress party, despite its recent advocacy for caste-based data, has historically opposed reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He pointed out that the Congress has never appointed an OBC Chief Minister in key states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, challenging the party’s commitment to OBC representation.

Dubey’s comments come at a time when the demand for a caste census has gained momentum in various states, particularly in Karnataka, where the issue has sparked significant political discourse. The BJP MP’s remarks reflect the broader debate on how caste data should be used to inform policy decisions and address inequalities within the Indian social structure.

Meanwhile, a separate controversy erupted when Congress leader and former union minister Salman Khurshid made a statement that drew sharp criticism from the BJP. Khurshid, while speaking at the launch of academician Mujibur Rehman’s book Shikwa-e-Hind: The Political Future of Indian Muslims, suggested that what is happening in Bangladesh could also occur in India. This comment, which referred to the recent waves of violent anti-government protests in Bangladesh, was met with outrage from the BJP, which accused Khurshid of making an “anarchist” statement.

Khurshid’s remarks were seen as a warning of potential unrest in India, similar to the situation in Bangladesh, where political turmoil led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country. The BJP responded strongly, with party spokesperson Sambit Patra calling the statement a serious issue. He questioned whether Khurshid’s comment was a warning on behalf of the Congress party and suggested that other Congress leaders have made similar remarks hinting at possible unrest in India.

Patra also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, recalling that Gandhi had previously made statements suggesting that arson and riots could occur in India, and even that the Prime Minister might face attacks. Patra’s comments were aimed at questioning the Congress party’s intentions and warning that such rhetoric could incite violence.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who was also present at the book launch, attempted to clarify Khurshid’s statement. Tharoor emphasized the broader message of the Bangladesh experience, which he interpreted as a reminder of the importance of democracy, free and fair elections, and transparency. Tharoor stressed that when democratic institutions function properly, there is less likelihood of unrest.

However, the controversy did not end there. BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy also weighed in, describing Khurshid’s statement as a form of sedition. Rudy, who is a member of the BJP’s parliamentary committee, labeled the remarks as anarchist and criticized the Congress party for resorting to what he saw as dangerous rhetoric in an attempt to divert attention from its own failures.

The debate over caste census and the controversy surrounding Khurshid’s statement underscore the deeply polarized nature of Indian politics today. As the nation approaches crucial elections in several states, these issues are likely to continue to dominate the political landscape, with parties using them to mobilize support and challenge their opponents.