Nitin Gadkari at recent event in Nagpur on Saturday spoke on the need for equality and denouncing caste-based politics. He stressed that a person’s value should be judged by their character and abilities, not by caste, religion, language, or gender.
“A person is not known by their caste, sect, religion, language or sex, but only by their qualities. That is why we will not discriminate against anyone based on caste, sect, religion, language, or sex,” Gadkari said, stressing the need for equality and fairness. He was speaking at the Convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions
Gadkari reiterated he would not engage in such practices, even if it might cost him votes. “I am in politics, and here all of this goes on, but I refuse this even though it may or may not get me votes,” he stated.
Gadkari shared that many sought his support by citing their caste identities, but he remained firm in his principles.
Speaking of such an event, saying, “I told 50,000 people, ‘Jo karega jaat ki baat, uske kass ke maarunga laat,'” meaning he would not entertain caste-based discussions. “My friends told me that I may have caused self-harm by saying this. But I am not concerned about it; one does not lose his life if he loses elections. I will stick to my principles,” Gadkari added.
Caste census exercise as a ‘sensitive issue’: RSS
Recently, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar branded the exercise as a ‘sensitive issue’.
Last month, RSS chief spokesperson was addressing a gathering in Palakkad, Kerala, when he said, “In our Hindu society, we have a sensitive issue of our caste and caste relations… It is an important issue of our national unity and integrity so it should be dealt with very seriously, not just for election or politics…”
“For all welfare activities particularly addressing a particular community or caste which are lagging and needs special attention, so for that, if sometimes the government needs the numbers, it can take them. It (the government) has taken (the numbers) earlier also, it can take it, no problem.”
“But it (caste census) should be only to address the welfare of those communities and castes. It should not be used as a political tool for electioneering. And so we put a caution line for everyone…” Sunil Ambekar added.
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