Rahul Gandhi calls for Caste Census, says Ambedkar’s dream still unfulfilled
New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has stressed that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s struggle for equality remains unfinished, pointing to the historic Mahad Satyagraha of 1927 as a reminder of the ongoing fight against caste-based discrimination.
Speaking during a discussion with Professor Sukhadeo Thorat, a member of Telangana’s caste survey panel, Gandhi reiterated the demand for a nationwide caste census, arguing that it is essential to expose the deep-rooted social inequalities that still exist.
Taking to social media platform X, he wrote, “The fight for share that began 98 years ago continues. On 20 March 1927, Babasaheb Ambedkar directly challenged caste discrimination through the Mahad Satyagraha. This was not just about the right to water but about equality and respect.”
The Mahad Satyagraha, led by Ambedkar, was a landmark movement where Dalits asserted their right to access public water sources, challenging the caste-based restrictions imposed by the upper castes. Gandhi linked the event to contemporary issues, stating that while progress has been made, caste-based discrimination continues to deny Dalits their rightful share in governance, education, and economic resources.
Criticizing those who oppose the caste census, Gandhi accused them of attempting to hide the truth about systemic discrimination. He maintained that the only way to achieve Ambedkar’s vision of social justice is by acknowledging and addressing the existing disparities.
“Babasaheb’s dream is still incomplete. His fight is not just about the past, it is also about today, and we will fight it with all our might,” he asserted.
Gandhi’s remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over the need for a caste census, with his party advocating for data-driven policymaking to ensure social justice, while opponents argue against its implementation.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
