In Prayagraj, Rahul Gandhi renewed his call for a nationwide caste census, criticizing the lack of representation from Dalit, tribal, and backward classes in contests like Miss India. Kiren Rijiju responded sharply, accusing Gandhi of making divisive and unrealistic demands. Netizens reminded him of Riya Ekka, tribal woman who won Miss India 2022.
In a recent event in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, renewed his call for a nationwide caste census. He highlighted the systemic underrepresentation of marginalized communities in significant sectors, including beauty pageants. Gandhi's remarks were aimed at underscoring the lack of winners from Dalit, tribal, and backward classes in prominent contests like Miss India.
Rahul Gandhi's comments on the lack of representation from SC, ST, and OBC communities in Miss India contests have faced backlash from Netizens. They highlighted that Riya Ekka, a tribal, won the Miss India title in November 2022, countering Gandhi's claim. Critics argue that his assertion is misleading and inaccurate, given Ekka's historic win.
Gem from , I checked the list of Bollywood and Miss India there is no SC, ST, OBC & Minority.
Though his data is wrong but have to say this guy has gone seriously mad to check caste in Miss India. God save Country from going this mad guys hand. pic.twitter.com/o6exmoBHso
*November 2022 : Riya Ekka wins the Miss India contest*
You know the caste of Riya?
-A tribal
Yesterday Kerosene Man Pappu was saying that no SC-ST-OBC has ever won a Miss India contest, indirectly blamed Modi gvt for it despite this being a non gvt event. pic.twitter.com/nauh1Re2B2
Gandhi stated, "Not a single Miss India winner has come from the Dalit, tribal, or backward classes. He criticized the media's focus on entertainment, arguing that it neglects vital issues affecting farmers and workers. He emphasized that a caste census is crucial for accurately understanding socio-economic disparities and tackling them effectively.
The Congress leader further condemned the existing system, asserting that nearly 90% of India's population remains excluded despite possessing the required skills and talents. "These individuals are left out of the system," he said. We need a caste census to integrate them and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve," Gandhi said. He emphasized that the census would provide crucial data for wealth distribution and resource allocation.
In his commitment to the cause, Gandhi vowed to push for a caste-based census and socio-economic survey, even if it comes at a personal political cost. He stressed the importance of analyzing the participation of marginalized communities in essential institutions such as the bureaucracy, judiciary, and media.
However, Gandhi's comments have sparked controversy. On Sunday, Kiren Rijiju, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, sharply criticized Gandhi's remarks. Rijiju took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond, saying, "Now, he wants reservations in Miss India competitions, films, sports! It is not only an issue of 'Bal Budhi' (childish mind), but those who support him are equally responsible too!"
Now, He wants reservations in Miss India competitions, Films, sports! It is not only issue of "Bal Budhi", but people who cheer him are - equally responsible too!
बाल बुद्धि मनोरंजन के लिए अच्छी हो सकती है पर अपनी विभाजनकारी चालों में, हमारे पिछड़े समुदायों का मजाक न उड़ाएं। pic.twitter.com/9Vm7ITwMJX
Rijiju continued in Hindi, translating loosely to, "A childish mind might be good for entertainment, but do not make a mockery of our backward communities with divisive comments."
She was tribal who won amiss India contest. https://t.co/rMwBzMxROC
— Pankaj Bhatt (@PankajB97022033)Repeat after me: Rahul Gandhi is a liar. https://t.co/P4DL4Sn0Er
— Mrs Palakkadan 🇮🇳 (@Lotus2021)Not long ago, just 2 years back, a tribal girl from Chhattisgarh, Miss Riya Ekka, won the Miss India title.
Rahul Gandhi's plan is divisive and it's full of falsehood pic.twitter.com/vMJXGRwBwX
Yesterday, claimed that SC-ST-OBC individuals have never won Miss India.
In November 2022, Riya Ekka from the tribal district of Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, won the Miss India title.
Before making such baseless accusations, Rahul Gandhi should get his facts straight and… pic.twitter.com/BdHHda2SDD
She is , who won the Miss India contest in November 2022
Riya is a Tribal
Yesterday Soros’s Paltu Pappu was saying that no SC-ST-OBC has ever won a Miss India contest , he blamed Modi govt for it , even though it’s not a govt organised pageant ….there are dozens of… pic.twitter.com/ZzAnKh7zmg
Tribal girl from Chhattisgarh, Miss Riya Ekka, won the Miss India title. is a master in divisive politics
pic.twitter.com/0dbuj3eM2c
Riya Ekka Ji wins the Miss India contest in the Year 2022. I am not sure which kind of Saste Nashe Rahul Gandhi does. pic.twitter.com/gLVbIQXXY7
— Aanand Krishna (@aanand_krishnaa)