Lagatar24 Desk
Patna: The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of hypocrisy regarding the caste census. The JD(U) alleged that Gandhi remained silent when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar raised the issue at multiple INDIA bloc meetings but later criticized Bihar’s caste survey during an event in Patna.
JD(U) Slams Rahul Gandhi
Speaking to PTI, JD(U) working president and MP Sanjay Jha said,
“There cannot be a bigger hypocrisy than this. Gandhi stayed silent while Kumar strongly and logically advocated for a caste census during INDIA bloc meetings at various venues.”
Jha also pointed out that the caste survey in Bihar was conducted when the Congress was part of the coalition government led by Nitish Kumar.
“It is ironic that Gandhi now questions the survey conducted under a government his party was a part of,” Jha added.
Defense of Bihar’s Caste Survey
Jha defended Bihar’s caste survey, describing it as a scientific exercise aimed at advancing social justice.
“Since 1931, no leader but Kumar has had the courage to undertake a caste survey. The findings aim to expand the scope of reservation, an issue currently sub-judice,” he said.
He challenged Gandhi to clarify his allegations about overcounting or undercounting of certain communities in the survey.
“Instead of vague remarks, Gandhi should specify what he finds incorrect,” Jha asserted.
Congress Government in Karnataka Questioned
Jha also criticized the Congress government in Karnataka for withholding the state’s caste-wise population data for several years.
“If Gandhi is so committed to the caste census, why does he not ensure the release of Karnataka’s data?” Jha questioned.
INDIA Bloc and Political Context
The JD(U), once part of the INDIA bloc, parted ways with the opposition alliance to ally with the BJP. Jha emphasized that Kumar was the only leader in the bloc meetings who persistently raised the need for a caste census, a fact witnessed by all members.
