The Lok Sabha was plunged into chaos when BJP MP, Anurag Thakur, made a veiled comment about Congress and Rahul Gandhi regarding the caste census issue. The remark sparked an uproar, with Gandhi interrupting Thakur's speech and asserting that the Congress party will get the caste census bill passed. Despite attempts to restore order, MPs continued to express their dissatisfaction, with Gandhi stating that he will take all the abuse in his fight for the downtrodden. This sparked a response from Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, who questioned the inquiry of someone's caste.
Chaos in Lok Sabha: Anurag Thakur's Caste Census Comment Sparks Outrage
On December 12, 2022, the Indian Parliament's lower house, the Lok Sabha, witnessed unprecedented chaos when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur made controversial remarks regarding the contentious caste census issue.
Background
The caste system is a social hierarchy that has historically divided Indian society into rigid social groups. In recent years, there has been a renewed demand for a caste census, which would enumerate the population based on their caste affiliation. Proponents argue that this data would help address systemic discrimination and provide targeted support to marginalized communities.
Thakur's Remarks
During a debate on the caste census issue, Thakur allegedly made a veiled comment about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his caste identity. He reportedly said, "I will not take the name of my grandfather, but there are some who used to sell oranges and have now become 'Janeudhari Pandits' (Brahmins)."
Uproar in Parliament
Thakur's remarks sparked an immediate uproar in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi interrupted his speech and denounced the comments as an insult to the downtrodden. He vowed that the Congress party would pass the caste census bill.
Other opposition MPs also expressed their outrage, with Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav questioning the inquiry into someone's caste. Tempers flared, and the House descended into chaos.
Attempts to Restore Order
Speaker Om Birla repeatedly tried to restore order and adjourn the House. However, the MPs continued to shout and demand action. Eventually, the House was adjourned for the day.
Aftermath
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Many have criticized Thakur for his insensitive and divisive remarks. The Congress party has demanded an apology from the BJP and the Prime Minister.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is a caste census?
A caste census is an enumeration of the population based on their caste affiliation. It provides data on the distribution of different caste groups in society.
2. Why is there a demand for a caste census?
Proponents argue that a caste census would help address historical discrimination and provide targeted support to marginalized communities.
3. What is the controversy surrounding Thakur's remarks?
Thakur's alleged comments were seen as an insult to Gandhi and the Congress party, which has traditionally been associated with the lower castes.
4. What happened after Thakur's remarks?
The Lok Sabha was plunged into chaos, with MPs shouting and demanding action. The House was eventually adjourned for the day.
5. What is the current status of the caste census bill?
The caste census bill has not yet been passed by Parliament. The government has expressed reservations about the practicality and feasibility of conducting such a census.
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