During a recent event in Nagpur on Saturday, Nitin Gadkari emphasized the importance of equality and condemned caste-based politics. He asserted that an individual’s worth should be evaluated based on their character and skills, rather than on caste, religion, language, or gender.
“A person’s identity is not defined by their caste, sect, religion, language, or gender, but solely by their qualities. This is why we will not discriminate against anyone based on these criteria,” Gadkari highlighted, underscoring the significance of equality and justice. He was addressing the Convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions.
Gadkari reaffirmed his refusal to engage in such practices, even if it could affect his electoral prospects. “I am in politics, and such dynamics exist, but I reject them, regardless of whether it costs me votes,” he remarked.
He mentioned that numerous individuals sought his backing by referencing their caste identities, yet he stood resolute in his principles.
Reflecting on such an event, he stated, “I told 50,000 people, ‘Jo karega jaat ki baat, uske kass ke maarunga laat,'” indicating that he would not tolerate caste-based dialogue. “My associates cautioned me that I might have harmed my own prospects by saying this. However, I am unconcerned; one does not face ruin if they lose elections. I will adhere to my principles,” Gadkari asserted.
Caste census exercise characterized as a ‘sensitive issue’: RSS
Recently, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar labeled the census as a ‘sensitive issue’.
Last month, an RSS chief spokesperson addressed a crowd in Palakkad, Kerala, stating, “Our Hindu society faces a delicate issue concerning our caste and caste relations… It is a crucial matter for our national unity and integrity and should be handled with utmost seriousness, beyond mere electoral politics…”
“For all welfare initiatives that specifically target communities or castes that lag behind and require special attention, if the government needs statistics, it can obtain them. It has done so in the past, and it can do it again, without any issues.”
“However, the (caste census) should solely serve to aid the welfare of those communities and castes. It must not be exploited as a political instrument for electoral campaigns. Therefore, we urge a cautionary approach for everyone involved…” Sunil Ambekar emphasized.
