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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Pregnant woman turned away twice by MP health centre nurses, loses newborn; probe ordered
Ratlam, Mar 28 (PTI): An inquiry was ordered after a pregnant woman in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district was allegedly turned away twice from a health centre and her newborn died after she delivered hours later while being rushed to the facility on a hand-cart by her husband.The incident took place in Sailana town in the intervening night of March 23 and 24, officials said on Friday.
The video of the man taking his wife to the hospital for a third time went viral on social media.
"At 9am on March 23, Krishna Gwala, a resident of Kalika Mata Mandir Road in Sailana, took his wife Neetu to the community health centre where nurse Chetna Charel sent them away saying the delivery would take place after two-three days. At 1 am, she again experienced labour pains and was rushed to the hospital," said Sailana Sub Divisional Magistrate Manish Jain.
"This time nurse Gayatri Patidar refused to admit Neetu post examination saying delivery would be after 15 more hours. The couple returned home. After she felt labour pains, her husband took her to hospital in a hand-cart for the third time," he said quoting the complaint.
She delivered at 3am enroute but was later told by health authorities that the newborn had died.
"Gwala has blamed the hospital management for the death of the child and has demanded action. A thorough probe will be conducted into this incident," Jain said.
Dr MS Sagar, the in charge CMHO of the district hospital, said Collector Rajesh Batham ordered an inquiry into the death of the newborn."The investigation at the district level found negligence in duty. A show cause notice has been issued to Sailana Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dr PC Koli. A letter has been sent to the state Commissioner of Health Services seeking action against on duty doctor Shailesh Dange," he said.
Nursing officer Chetna Charel has been suspended with immediate effect while services of NHM contract nursing officer Gayatri Patidar has been terminated, he said.
