Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a gathering at the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj and voiced his demand for a nationwide caste census. He pointed out the exclusion of women from Dalit, tribal, and OBC communities in the Miss India pageant list. Gandhi also criticized the media for neglecting issues faced by farmers and laborers and promised to conduct a caste census and remove the cap on reservations when Congress forms the government.
Rahul Gandhi Advocates for Nationwide Caste Census, Highlights Exclusion of Marginalized Women in Miss India Pageant
Background:
The Miss India pageant, an annual event that selects a representative for India in the Miss Universe and Miss World competitions, has historically been criticized for its lack of diversity and representation of women from marginalized communities. This issue came to the forefront recently when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pointed out the absence of Dalit, tribal, and OBC women in the pageant's list of winners.
Rahul Gandhi's Demand for Caste Census:
On January 18, 2023, Rahul Gandhi addressed a gathering at the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. He voiced his demand for a nationwide caste census, arguing that it was necessary to ensure a fair and equitable society. Gandhi pointed out that Dalit, tribal, and OBC communities, which constitute a significant portion of India's population, are underrepresented in various sectors, including education, employment, and politics.
Exclusion of Marginalized Women in Miss India Pageant:
Gandhi also criticized the Miss India pageant for its lack of inclusivity. He noted that despite the pageant's stated goal of representing the diversity and beauty of India, it had repeatedly failed to include women from Dalit, tribal, and OBC communities. He argued that this exclusion perpetuates the marginalization of these communities and sends a message that they are not considered worthy of representation.
Government's Response:
In response to Gandhi's demand, the government has stated that it is not considering a nationwide caste census. The government has argued that such a census would be divisive and could lead to conflicts based on caste. However, several opposition parties and social justice groups have supported Gandhi's demand, arguing that a caste census is essential to address the structural inequalities faced by marginalized communities.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why is Rahul Gandhi demanding a nationwide caste census?
Gandhi argues that a caste census is necessary to understand the true extent of caste-based discrimination and to ensure that marginalized communities are given adequate representation in education, employment, and politics.
2. What are the arguments against a nationwide caste census?
The government has argued that a caste census would be divisive and could lead to conflicts based on caste. Critics also argue that it could perpetuate the caste system and reinforce stereotypes.
3. Why are Dalit, tribal, and OBC women excluded from the Miss India pageant?
There are various reasons for this exclusion, including discrimination based on caste, class, and colorism. The pageant's organizers have been criticized for their narrow beauty standards that exclude women who do not conform to a particular ideal.
4. Has the Miss India pageant ever featured a winner from a marginalized community?
Yes, in 2017, Manushi Chhillar, who is from a Jat family, won the Miss India title. However, she is the only woman from a marginalized community to have won the pageant since its inception in 1952.
5. What is the significance of Gandhi's criticism of the media?
Gandhi criticized the media for neglecting issues faced by farmers and laborers, who are often from marginalized communities. He argued that the media should play a more active role in highlighting the challenges faced by these groups and holding the government accountable.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has responded to Congress' claims of EVM irregularities in Jharkhand by calling out their inconsistent stance on the matter. He highlighted the party's tendency to only question the integrity of the EVM process when the results aren't favorable to them. Shinde also reaffirmed the public's support for Shiv Sena's win in the recent elections.
According to the latest figures from the Election Commission, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is leading in 217 seats out of 288, almost halfway through the counting process. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi appears to be struggling, with only 50 seats in their favor. BJP leader Kalidas Kolambkar from Wadala has already been declared as the winner in the first result announced. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at BJP headquarters to celebrate the party's victory, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressing confidence in their ability to form a government. BJP leader Pankaja Munde stated that the public's rejection of fake narratives and acceptance of the politics of development has led to a significant victory for the Mahayuti alliance.
With the Jhunjhunu bypoll results set to be announced on November 23, 2024, the race is on to see who will be elected as the next Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from this important Assembly constituency in Rajasthan. With a total of 11 candidates in the fray, including big names from major political parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the stakes are high. In the previous election, INC's Brijendra Singh Ola emerged victorious, but with many new candidates vying for the seat, it remains to be seen who will come out on top in 2024. Stay updated with live result updates on the day of the bypoll to find out who will win and who will lose.
Shiv Sena leader and CM Eknath Shinde has won the Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat by a huge margin, retaining his position after winning the seat in 2019. Shinde, who led a rebellion against Shiv Sena and joined forces with BJP to become CM, has a stronghold on his home turf Thane. In his victory speech, he expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his support and said his government will work for the common man.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has emerged victorious in her debut Lok Sabha election in Wayanad, surpassing her brother Rahul Gandhi's previous lead. She took to social media to express her gratitude to the people of Wayanad for their overwhelming support. Priyanka also thanked her UDF colleagues, Kerala volunteers, and her family for their unwavering support throughout her campaign.
After securing a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, including CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, addressed a press conference to express their gratitude. They thanked PM Modi for his support and pledged to continue focusing on the development of the state. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis also denied any contention over the CM's post and credited the alliance's victory to the support of the people and PM Modi's strong leadership.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expresses gratitude to her brother Rahul Gandhi for guiding and supporting her during her electoral debut in the Wayanad bypolls, where she gained a staggering lead of over 4 lakh votes. She also promises to be the voice of the people of Wayanad in Parliament.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance registered a thumping victory in Maharashtra, leading in 48 Assembly and 2 Lok Sabha constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and congratulated him on the alliance's win in the state. This is a developing story with more details to be added on the leading and winning candidates as well as reactions from other parties.
The Wayanad bypolls have caught the attention of the nation as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress candidate, is leading with a commanding margin of over 4 lakh votes. This could potentially surpass her brother Rahul Gandhi's victory margin in the 2024 parliamentary elections. With the counting of votes currently underway, all eyes are on Wayanad as the results have the potential to reshape the political landscape of Kerala.
In the ongoing Rajasthan bypolls, the BJP and Congress party are facing unexpected competition from the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) candidates, with the BAP candidates leading in two out of the seven seats. The Jhunjhunu seat saw a direct contest between BJP and Congress, while the Chorasi seat witnessed a fight between BJP and BAP candidates. In other seats, there was a close fight between BJP and Congress. The results of these bypolls may affect the political landscape in Rajasthan.