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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Special prayers offered at mosques across Karnataka for well-being of Indian armed forces
Bengaluru, May 09 (PTI): Special prayers were offered at mosques across Karnataka on Friday for the well-being of the Indian armed forces against the backdrop of the military conflict between India and Pakistan.
Mosques that come under the jurisdiction of the Waqf Board, as well as other mosques offered prayers.
"In these tough times, we stand with our country. We support our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), our Home Minister (Amit Shah) and stand with the government. We offered special prayers today at all the mosques across the state for the well-being of our Indian armed forces, their families and the people of this country.
"May Allah give success to our armed forces in their mission," Mufti Mohamed Maqsoon Imran, Chief Imam of Jamia Masjid, Bengaluru, told PTI.
The move came a day after Karnataka Waqf and Minority Affairs Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the Waqf Board to organise special prayers at mosques across the state for the well-being of Indian soldiers who took part in 'Operation Sindoor' carried out to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack.
Recently, special prayers were organised for the armed forces in all temples under the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department, on the instructions of Endowment Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
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— B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan (@BZZameerAhmedK) May 9, 2025
