During a special debate on the Constitution, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a fiery speech, quoting Mahabharata's Eklavya and Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, in the context of caste oppression in India. Gandhi accused the BJP of going against the principles of the Constitution and raised issues like caste census, removal of quota ceiling, and the Hathras rape-murder case to highlight the party's neglect towards the lower caste and marginalized sections of society.
Eklavya and the Debate on Caste Oppression in India
Background:
Eklavya, a character in the Indian epic Mahabharata, is renowned for his unwavering dedication and the concept of "guru-shishya" tradition, where a disciple seeks knowledge from a respected teacher. However, Eklavya was denied knowledge by Dronacharya, the royal teacher of archery, due to his lower caste status. This event highlights the persistent issue of caste discrimination in Indian society.
Recent Debate:
In a special debate on the Constitution in the Indian Parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi used the story of Eklavya to draw parallels with the current state of caste oppression in India. He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of disregarding the principles of the Constitution and neglecting the rights of marginalized sections of society.
Gandhi cited specific incidents such as the caste census debate, the removal of the quota ceiling for caste-based reservations, and the Hathras rape-murder case as examples of the BJP's alleged anti-lower caste policies. He also quoted Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar, who advocated for a caste-based social hierarchy.
FAQs:
What is the significance of Eklavya's story in the caste oppression debate?
What are the key issues raised by Rahul Gandhi in his speech?
How did the BJP respond to Gandhi's accusations?
What are the historical roots of caste discrimination in India?
What are some of the ongoing efforts to address caste oppression?
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra has revoked government resolutions that made Hindi mandatory as the third language in primary schools, following widespread protests and opposition from various political parties, including estranged Thackeray cousins Shiv Sena and MNS. However, questions have been raised about the timing and motives behind the government's decision, with the BJP accused of trying to impose Hindi on students. This move has also sparked a heated debate on the status of Hindi in Maharashtra, a state with a large Hindi-speaking population in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
In an effort to combat rising drug abuse rates, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the implementation of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in all medical colleges across India. Along with this, the NMC has also requested the formation of drug-free hostel committees, a schedule of activities, and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the NMC, is also planning to launch Tobacco Cessation Centres in all medical colleges to help individuals quit tobacco consumption and reduce tobacco-related diseases.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed guidelines for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), medical colleges, and other higher educational institutions to implement Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan activities to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse among students. These measures include forming committees, conducting awareness campaigns, and creating referral systems to provide support to students. The government hopes that this collaborative approach will help curb drug trafficking and protect the student population from falling prey to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced a major step towards inclusive mobility by offering a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. This move aims to make daily commuting more affordable and encourage more women to join the workforce. The announcement was made at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim, which also includes benefits for private bus operators such as operational subsidies and upgraded technology. Sawant assured current operators that they will not be left out during the system's upgrade and urged them to join the scheme for significant annual benefits.
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament, Wendy Alexander, has accused Dundee University of pressuring her to leave her position as Vice Principal International due to her questioning of the institution's financial practices. She claims she was offered a "package and trips" as a way to leave quietly. This revelation comes after a recent report revealing financial mismanagement at the university, with the former principal, Prof Iain Gillespie, resigning last year. Alexander's comments were made in a statement to Holyrood's education committee, which also heard evidence from other former university officials expressing regret for not implementing cost-cutting measures earlier and acknowledging the pain caused to students and staff.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has announced a rally in Rajgir – the hometown of his alliance partner and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar – strategically aimed at expanding his base among other Bahujan communities. The LJP (RV) has called the event "Bahujan sankalp samagam" where the 42-year-old leader will focus on a "new leadership" for the state and aim to claim a larger share in the upcoming state Assembly polls. With the key allies of the BJP-led NDA locking horns over seat-sharing, Chirag seems to be positioning himself as a major player in Bihar politics and is set to make an announcement that could potentially change the political landscape of the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, fulfilling a major demand of farmers in Telangana. The event was attended by various BJP leaders, who welcomed Shah at the Begumpet airport. The establishment of the Turmeric Board was a key election promise by BJP Lok Sabha member D Arvind, who defeated K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This move is aimed at improving the quality and income of turmeric farmers in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders such as Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union MoDS (Home) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP K Laxman, and BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad, D Arvind. This move is expected to boost the production and export of turmeric, a key spice in Indian cuisine, and support the farmers in the region.
With the latest news and developments surrounding Justice PG Ajithkumar, stay informed about the famous judge's groundbreaking cases and decisions. Stay connected and up-to-date with the latest verdicts and judgments made by the well-known Justice as he continues to make waves in the legal world. Don't miss out on any crucial updates and stay on top of the current political landscape with this exciting news piece featuring Justice PG Ajithkumar.
The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday heard arguments from ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido, as well as the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, challenging a state-wide ban on bike taxis. Advocates for the petitioners argued that the ban violated their right to livelihood and hindered the service's potential to decongest roads and bridge last-mile connectivity gaps in urban areas. The ban was put in place following an expert committee report opposing bike taxis, but was later reversed to allow operations until the state issues specific guidelines. The matter is set for further hearing on July 2.