In a development that could further escalate the controversy over BJP leader Anurag Thakur’s caste remark against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the main opposition has filed a privilege complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for praising Mr. Thakur’s speech. Jalandhar MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi submitted the complaint to the Lok Sabha Secretary General.
What Happened to Escalate the Caste Row?
On Tuesday, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi renewed his demand for a caste census survey. In response, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, without directly naming Gandhi, targeted him over his demand for a caste-based census, saying, “Jiski jaat ka pata nahin, woh ganana ki baat karta hai” (The person whose caste is not known talks about a census).
This remark led to an uproar by the opposition, questioning how anyone could ask about a person’s caste in the House.
Sitharaman Defends Anurag Thakur
On Wednesday, Nirmala Sitharaman defended her colleague Anurag Thakur by citing an interview Rajiv Gandhi gave to journalist Alok Mehta. She stated that Rajiv Gandhi himself was against reservations.
What Was Said in the Interview?
The interview, published on March 2, features journalist Alok Mehta speaking exclusively with then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Gandhi iterated that the provisions and laws made for the backward classes during the time of the Indian Constitution should be revised, as they had become overly politicized for electoral advantage. He emphasized the necessity of providing the benefits of reservations and other laws only to those who truly needed them, warning against extending these benefits to the undeserving.
Alok Mehta’s Exclusive Interview with NewsX
In his recent conversation with NewsX, Alok Mehta described Rajiv Gandhi as a modern man with a progressive mindset. He noted that Gandhi, a trained pilot, was not opposed to reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). However, during the 1980s, the discourse was dominated by the Mandal Commission, established in 1979 by the Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Gandhi’s remark that “buddhu” (fools) should not be promoted in the name of reservation was a reflection of his belief that educational and professional merit should not be compromised.
Mehta explained that Rajiv Gandhi was concerned about the potential negative impact on the nation’s future if educationally weak individuals were given undue precedence over talented and qualified people. This stance, Mehta argued, was rooted in a desire to maintain the country’s progress and development.
Alok Mehta recalled how Rajiv Gandhi’s firm stance on the issue became evident when V.P. Singh implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations, which led to widespread unrest across India. The Commission aimed to address the social and educational backwardness of various classes, but its implementation sparked significant controversy. To address these complexities, Rajiv Gandhi introduced the Sixty-second Amendment and enacted the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Act in 1989.
The conversation also touched upon Rahul Gandhi’s current political strategies. According to Mehta, Rahul Gandhi appears to be attempting to replicate V.P. Singh’s approach from the 1980s. By advocating for a caste census and focusing on caste-based issues, Rahul Gandhi seeks to garner support from backward classes, much like Singh did when he ousted the Congress from power.
However, Alok Mehta expressed skepticism about this strategy, citing the example of BSP chief Mayawati. Despite her party’s reliance on backward caste support, Mayawati ultimately lost power. Mehta argued that contemporary politics cannot rely solely on reservation policies to secure electoral success.
Alok Mehta concluded that Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to mimic an outdated political move reveals a lack of clarity and a hunger for power. In Mehta’s view, such an approach fails to address the evolving needs and aspirations of India’s diverse population, and it risks repeating past mistakes rather than forging a path forward.
Sitharaman’s Full Counter to Rahul’s Caste Uproar
Sitharaman, summarizing the interview, also said, “How many SCs, STs, and OBCs are there in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation? There is not a single SC. Charity begins at home. Among the five trustees in the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust, there is no SC.”
She further added, “We all can try to do something good for SCs and STs, but when generation after generation the statements are similar, and there is no tangible work, how will anyone trust your big statements?”
Referring to the emotional issue of the ‘halwa ceremony,’ where officials sit in a room for days, she said, “You ask how many SCs are there? And when I put my hand on my head and laugh, you unleash the troll army saying I laughed when SCs were mentioned. I was holding my head at the casual approach to the matter.”
