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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Kalaburagi: ‘Vartha Bharati’ Kalyana Karnataka edition launched
Kalaburagi: The Kalyana Karnataka edition of the Kannada daily Vartha Bharati was launched on Saturday at a grand programme held at Dr S M Pandit Rangamandira in Kalaburagi.
The new edition was formally launched by The Wire Editor-in-Chief Siddharth Varadarajan. The programme was inaugurated by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr U T Khader.
Multilingual actor and social activist Prakash Raj, Minister for Small Industries and Public Enterprises Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, Minister for Municipal Administration and Haj Rahim Khan, Vice-Chairperson of the State Policy and Planning Commission and Aland MLA B R Patil, Chairman of the State Waqf Board and Sajjada Nashin of the Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah Hazrat Syed Muhammad Ali Al Hussaini, and Kalaburagi South MLA Allamaprabhu Patil were present as chief guests.
Also present on the dais were Koraneswara Mahaswamiji of the Tontadarya Anubhava Mantapa, Aland; Bishop of Kalaburagi Rev Fr Robert Miranda; Pujya Bhante Varajyothi of Anandur; social activist K Neela; farmers’ leader Chamarasa Mali Patil; DSS State Convenor D G Sagar; and activist and singer Ambanna Arolikar as special guests.
Vartha Bharati Founder Director Yaseen Malpe delivered the introductory address. H.M. Afroz Assadi, President of Madhyama Communications Ltd presided over the programme. Editor-in-Chief Abdussalam Puthige was also present.
Progressive thinkers, social activists, farmers, workers, student organisation activists, and readers and viewers from various districts and taluks participated in the programme.
