Rahul Gandhi’s Caste Census Pitch in Lok Sabha Sparks Debate, Advocates AI Use
In a fiery session in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again brought the issue of caste census to the forefront, advocating for its use in reshaping India’s developmental strategy. His remarks, which underscored the lack of representation of Dalits and OBCs in corporate ownership, sparked a significant backlash from BJP MPs, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s OBC roots.
Rahul Gandhi, during his response to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, cited a recent caste survey from Telangana where backward classes represent over half the population. He argued that a similar demographic pattern likely exists nationwide, with OBCs forming at least 50% of India’s populace. He stressed the importance of a caste census to understand and redistribute wealth more equitably across these communities.
His comments drew immediate and sharp responses from BJP MPs, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defending PM Modi’s OBC background. The BJP members argued that Gandhi was overlooking the representation of OBCs in high positions, including the Prime Minister himself, suggesting that the narrative of marginalization was overstated.
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Rahul Gandhi also introduced an innovative angle to the caste census debate by proposing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He envisioned AI as a tool to analyze census data for social revolution, enhancing participation of underrepresented groups in governance, institutions, and the economic sphere. This proposal was part of his broader vision to parallel India’s social empowerment with technological advancement, aiming to compete globally with nations like China in sectors like electric motors and solar energy.
Gandhi criticized the ‘Make in India’ initiative, implying it had not significantly boosted India’s production sector compared to China. His remarks on the India-China border and economic policies stirred further controversy, illustrating his critique of the current government’s approach to national development and security.
The session turned contentious as BJP members vocally protested Gandhi’s assertions about OBC empowerment, leading to a heated exchange. Despite the uproar, Gandhi’s advocacy for a caste census and his innovative use of AI in policy-making made headlines, positioning caste and technology at the heart of India’s political discourse.
The debate on caste census and its integration with AI not only highlights the ongoing tussle between India’s major political parties but also touches on deeper issues of social justice, economic inequality, and technological application in governance. As India moves forward, these discussions will likely influence policy, potentially reshaping how the country addresses its diverse demographic challenges.
Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha was a blend of social critique and technological foresight, aiming to stir a new conversation on how India can achieve inclusive growth. Whether his proposals will translate into policy changes remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly set the stage for a significant political and social debate.
