Rahul Gandhi's fresh criticism: 'No Dalit or tribal woman in Miss India list'

Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress Member of Parliament from Rae Bareli, expressed his discontent with the non-representation of Dalits, OBCs, and tribal women in the Miss India competition.

“I reviewed the Miss India list and found no representation from Dalit, tribal, or OBC women,” Gandhi said. “Yet, the media focuses extensively on dance, music, cricket, and Bollywood, but does not talk about farmers and labourers,” he added.

Speaking at the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, Gandhi remarked that despite possessing the necessary skills, talent, and knowledge, 90 percent of the population remains disconnected from the system.

Gandhi strongly advocated for the implementation of a caste census across India. He questioned the opposition to the census, stating that it is simply a request for data, not a tool for division.

Gandhi emphasized that the caste census would provide crucial insights into the representation of various communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, and the general category, in sectors such as business, Bollywood, and others. He argued that such data is vital to ensuring the inclusion of 90 percent of the population, which he claims is currently disconnected from the system despite having talent and skills.

"The caste census will only strengthen our constitution," Gandhi stated, reiterating his commitment to protecting the nation's foundational document. He also noted that this initiative would enable a broader economic and social survey aimed at better representation and participation in India's systems.

"Critics have claimed that the caste census would divide the country," said Gandhi and rejected this notion, saying, "How are we dividing the country? We are saying that 90 percent is the majority," adding that the census is a necessary step to uphold constitutional values and ensure fairness for marginalized communities.