Mayawati Criticizes BJP and Congress Over Caste Census Debate
On July 31, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, BSP leader Mayawati criticized both the BJP and Congress over their stance on the caste census during a parliament session. She accused both parties of being anti-OBC and called their actions a ‘drama’ meant to deceive the OBC community.
Mayawati highlighted her government’s achievements, stating, ‘The OBC reservation was implemented here due to the efforts of the BSP.’ She also emphasized the importance of a national caste census, calling it a ‘special national issue of public interest’ that the Centre needs to take seriously.
Earlier, a heated argument occurred between Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, and BJP MP Anurag Thakur. Thakur questioned the Congress’s commitment to OBC reservations, while Gandhi defended the rights of marginalized communities, stating, ‘Whoever raises the issues of Adivasi, Dalit and the backward is abused.’
The Congress party has promised to pass a constitutional amendment to raise the reservation cap for SC, ST, and OBC communities and to conduct a nationwide socio-economic and caste census as part of their 2024 general election manifesto.
Doubts Revealed
Mayawati -: Mayawati is an Indian politician and the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). She has been the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s largest states.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the two major political parties in India, known for its right-wing policies.
Congress -: Congress refers to the Indian National Congress, another major political party in India. It is known for its center-left policies.
Caste Census -: A caste census is a survey that collects data on the different castes in India. This information can help the government make policies to support various communities.
BSP -: BSP stands for Bahujan Samaj Party. It is a political party in India that focuses on representing the interests of marginalized communities, especially Dalits.
OBC -: OBC stands for Other Backward Classes. These are communities in India that are socially and educationally disadvantaged.
Rahul Gandhi -: Rahul Gandhi is an Indian politician and a member of the Indian National Congress. He is known for advocating the rights of marginalized communities.
Anurag Thakur -: Anurag Thakur is an Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has held various positions in the government.
Marginalized communities -: Marginalized communities are groups of people who are often excluded from mainstream social, economic, and political life. In India, this often includes Dalits, OBCs, and other disadvantaged groups.
