Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that during the Samajwadi Party's reign, a majority of the SDM appointments in 2015-2016 were unfairly given to one caste. He blamed this move for being detrimental to the interests of the state's Other Backward Classes community, adding that the Opposition parties are conspiring to divide the Hindu society in the name of pseudo-secularism. Adityanath also highlighted the success of OBC youth in government recruitments, stating that their strength needs to be awakened to counter the divisive forces. Meanwhile, Karisma Kapoor, who has worked with all three Khans in Bollywood, recently shared her views on their distinct qualities in a candid interview.
Yogi Adityanath's Allegations of Caste-Based Discrimination in SDM Appointments
On July 29, 2022, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a controversial statement alleging caste-based discrimination in the appointment of Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) during the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government.
Allegation:
Adityanath claimed that a majority of SDM appointments made between 2015 and 2016 under the SP dispensation were unfairly given to candidates belonging to a particular caste. He argued that this move had adversely affected the interests of the state's Other Backward Classes (OBC) community.
Opposition's Response:
The SP has strongly denied Adityanath's allegations, calling them "baseless and politically motivated." Party leaders have accused the BJP government of trying to divide society along caste lines for electoral gains.
Political Context:
Adityanath's statement comes amid heightened political tensions in Uttar Pradesh, where elections are scheduled for 2024. The BJP and SP are considered the two main contenders in the upcoming polls.
Significance of OBCs in Uttar Pradesh:
OBCs constitute a significant portion of Uttar Pradesh's population and are considered a key vote bank for political parties. Both the BJP and SP have been actively courting this community in the lead-up to the elections.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What evidence supports Adityanath's allegation?
No specific evidence to substantiate the claim has been provided as yet.
2. How has the SP responded to the accusations?
The SP has dismissed the allegations as "baseless and politically motivated."
3. What is the BJP's stance on OBCs?
The BJP has expressed its commitment to the welfare and upliftment of OBCs, promising to provide them with greater opportunities in education, employment, and government representation.
4. What is the significance of the SDM appointments in this context?
SDMs are key administrative officers who play a crucial role in the implementation of government policies at the sub-divisional level. The alleged caste-based discrimination in their appointments has raised concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the administrative machinery in Uttar Pradesh.
5. What are the potential implications of this controversy?
The allegations could further polarize society along caste lines and exacerbate tensions between different communities. It could also impact the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh, with parties using this issue to mobilize their respective support bases.
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