Actor-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), held its first executive meeting after the state conference, passing resolutions sharply criticizing both the BJP-led central government and the DMK-led state government. The party voiced concerns over issues ranging from the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal to the Tamil song controversy, accusing the DMK of failing to fulfill poll promises. TVK also called for a caste census and the revocation of NEET.
The Indian government is considering adding a caste column to the upcoming census, a move that has sparked debate and political maneuvering. Opposition parties and even some BJP allies are demanding the inclusion, arguing it will provide valuable data for social justice initiatives. However, the government remains undecided, and the last census in 2011 was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav underwent an angioplasty procedure at a Mumbai hospital after being admitted for a follow-up visit. The 76-year-old former Bihar Chief Minister is expected to be discharged soon. This news comes just days after Yadav vowed to push for a caste census and his son, Tejashwi, highlighted the RJD’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of backward classes.
Kangana Ranaut, a BJP leader and actor, has been facing criticism on social media for her recent comments about Rahul Gandhi’s role as the Leader of the Opposition and her stance on the caste census. She questioned Rahul Gandhi’s qualifications for the position and wrongly identified the first Dalit president of India, leading to widespread mockery and calls for her to be reined in.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized Rahul Gandhi for demanding reservations in beauty pageants and other fields, calling it ‘bal buddhi’ (childish). Rijiju also highlighted the achievements of the Modi government in representation of marginalized communities, while Gandhi advocated for a caste census and removal of the reservation cap.
The Janata Dal (United) (JDU) has pledged its support to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government. However, the party has raised concerns about the Agnipath scheme, calling for a detailed discussion to address its shortcomings. The JDU’s K.C. Tyagi also commented on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and caste census, while advocating for special status for Bihar.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has released its manifesto for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, prioritizing several key issues, including:
– Caste census
– Establishment of a separate commission for farmers’ welfare
– Right to apprenticeship
– 50% reservation for women in government jobs
– Full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir
– Rejection of ‘one nation, one election’ concept
The party also plans to review and propose changes to various laws, such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Register for Citizens (NRC), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar has unveiled its election manifesto for the 2024 general elections, prioritizing caste census, a separate commission for farmers’ welfare, 50% reservation for women in jobs, and a review of contentious laws like the CAA and NRC. The party also supports full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and rejects the idea of ‘one nation, one election’.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of being afraid of a caste census and vowing to ensure justice for the marginalized. Gandhi asserted that a caste census will be the first step taken by his government if it is formed. He criticized Modi for transferring wealth to select business people while ignoring the needs of the majority of the population and promised to rectify this injustice through the Congress manifesto’s guarantees. Gandhi also defended his record as a politician, citing his involvement in various social and political movements.
During a rally for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi outlined a series of promises aimed at improving the lives of millions of Indians. Key among these were initiatives to create wealth, address social injustices, and strengthen the economy. Gandhi pledged that if the INDIA alliance is elected, they would work towards creating ‘lakhpatis’ (individuals with a net worth of 1 lakh rupees) and significantly enhance the nation’s economic landscape.
