GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th August. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about the absence of Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC women in the Miss India beauty pageant.
Speaking at the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, Gandhi had claimed that the pageant’s list reflects a lack of representation from the “90 per cent” of the population, and criticized the media and entertainment industries for not showcasing members of these communities.
Rijiju, who serves as the Union Minister of Minority Affairs and is an MP from Arunachal Pradesh, dismissed Gandhi’s comments as juvenile. He pointed out that India’s current President, Droupadi Murmu, is a tribal, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs to an OBC community. Additionally, he highlighted the significant representation of SC/ST individuals within the cabinet.
“Rahul Gandhi’s remarks reflect a childish approach,” Rijiju stated. “Governments do not select Miss India contestants or athletes. This kind of divisive rhetoric undermines the achievements of our communities.”
Rijiju further criticized Gandhi for suggesting reservations in beauty pageants, sports, and films, emphasizing that such selections are not governed by government policies. He reaffirmed that the Supreme Court’s stance on reservations remains unaffected by Gandhi’s statements.
Gandhi had earlier warned that his call for a caste census might be misinterpreted by the BJP as an attempt to divide the country. Home Minister Amit Shah has indicated that the decadal census would be conducted at an appropriate time, with details to be announced later.
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