Which slogan will replace 'batenge to katenge': Manoj Kumar Jha takes veiled dig at BJP leaders
Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha on Friday took a veiled dig at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders who had earlier opposed the caste census, questioning how they would now justify their past statements in light of the Centre’s latest policy shift.
"Which slogan will replace 'batenge to katenge'?" ANI quoted Jha as saying. He noted that RJD leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav, have long advocated for the caste census, calling it a legitimate and overdue demand.
Taking aim at senior BJP leaders, Jha remarked, “I am worried about those big leaders who have been saying things like, if caste census happens, the poison of casteism will spread, how will they cover up their statement now?"
Calling for concrete action, Jha urged the government to publish a clear timeline for conducting the long-delayed census. “The census was supposed to happen in 2021. It has been four years, and there has been no initiative. Caste census, women's reservation, and delimitation are associated with the census. There should be a timeline or a roadmap for the same," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.
In a major decision, the Centre on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be incorporated in the upcoming census exercise in a “transparent” manner. The move follows persistent demands from the Opposition, including the Congress, which has made the caste census a key electoral issue.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
