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.
Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday to criticize Fox News for cutting him off during a 10-minute discussion about Kamala Harris' DNC speech. Trump claimed that it was the network who called him, not the other way around, and that they interrupted him to air Greg Gutfeld's late-night show instead. This outburst comes as Harris leads Trump in polls and after reports of Trump spending most of August golfing instead of focusing on his campaign.
Indian wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat is making her first visit to the village of Khera Bakhta in Julana since receiving her election ticket. This important visit will help strengthen her ties with local residents and garner support for her political campaign. Stay updated with ABP News for the latest developments in this political race.
In the wake of fresh violence in Manipur's Jiribam district, the state's Chief Minister led a meeting of ruling party MLAs to discuss ways to tackle the ongoing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups. The security agencies have recovered large caches of weapons, which include sniper rifles and rocket bombs, indicating the intensification of the conflict. Despite previous efforts to restore normalcy, violence continues to erupt in ethnically-diverse Jiribam, displacing thousands and resulting in casualties. The government is now pressuring the Centre to take appropriate action to bring the militants under control.
The ongoing conflict between Kuki militants and security agencies in Manipur has taken a dangerous turn as the Kukis have sought foreign help in their demand for a separate state. According to sources, the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council has approached the UN, UK and Israel with their demands, citing their right to self governance under the Indian Constitution and various international agreements. The Kukis claim to be lost Jew tribes who were brought to India for tourism but later held captive by the country.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha will be visiting Sambalpur to launch the CM Kisan Yojana on September 8, coinciding with the Nuakhai festival. This new scheme will replace the existing KALIA scheme and aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, who will receive Rs 4000 annually in two phases. Chief Minister Majhi will also attend 'Nuakhai Bhetghat' programmes and offer prayers at Maa Samaleswari temple during his visit. Stay updated by subscribing to the Odisha Breaking News channel.
Kamala Harris has brought new excitement to the U.S. presidential race, particularly among Democrats of Asian descent and people of color. The party's convention in Chicago, originally intended to support Joe Biden's re-election, has become a platform for showcasing Harris' strengths and diversity within the Democratic party. This is in stark contrast to Trump's Republican party, which lacks ethnic diversity and has officially nominated him as their candidate for the third consecutive time.
The Manipur government has declared an indefinite curfew in Jiribam district after five people were killed in ethnic violence. The order, made under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibits gatherings and restricts movement, with exceptions for essential services and emergency situations. The superintendent of police will be overseeing the enforcement of the curfew, which will remain in effect until further notice. The regional news portal Northeast Now provides ongoing coverage of the potentially volatile situation.
After the head of a Hindu monastic order suggested changing the name of the ritual bath at the Kumbh Mela, Urdu speakers have denounced the statement, asserting that Urdu is also an indigenous Indian language. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an organization of Hindu monastic orders, is planning to discuss the issue and make a decision. Meanwhile, members of the Urdu Markaz Mumbai group have condemned the call to drop the old term, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Urdu to India. The Kumbh Mela, a mass gathering held every 12 years, is a highly revered Hindu event and the next one is scheduled for 2025.
The Congress party has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, with Vinesh Phogat being nominated as the candidate for the Julana constituency. The JJP has decided to field Amarjit Dhanda, the current MLA, again as their candidate. However, Congress is hopeful that Phogat's popularity and recent retirement from wrestling will garner sympathy votes and help them win the seat.
In a major scandal shaking up the Indian bureaucracy, IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been discharged from service by the UPSC for cheating and taking advantage of OBC and disability quota benefits. This comes after a month of her selection being cancelled and her being barred from future exams. The controversy has brought to light loopholes in the selection process and has resulted in the scrutiny of over 15,000 candidates.