Has Congress' Memory Diminished? UP Minister Gangwar Responds to Udit Raj's Caste Comments
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Synopsis
In a heated exchange, UP Minister Sanjay Gangwar criticizes Congress for exploiting caste issues for political gains. His remarks come in the wake of Udit Raj's allegations of bias in astronaut selection. Discover how this political clash reflects ongoing tensions in India's socio-political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Critique of Congress: Gangwar's strong remarks highlight ongoing political tensions.
- Allegations of Bias: Udit Raj raised concerns about caste representation in astronaut selection.
- BJP's Inclusive Mantra: Gangwar reiterated the party's commitment to inclusivity.
- Political Backlash: Udit Raj's comments attracted criticism from within Congress.
- Recent Space Mission: The successful landing of the Axiom-4 Mission marks a significant achievement.
Lucknow, July 17 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Gangwar on Thursday unleashed a fierce critique against the Congress for repeatedly invoking the caste issue to serve its self-serving interests.
Targeting the Congress and its 'Yuvraj' (a direct nod to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi), Minister of State for Sugarcane Development and Sugar Mills Gangwar remarked that the party's memory has significantly faded.
This statement from Minister Gangwar followed Congress leader Udit Raj's controversial comments questioning the government's biased approach in selecting astronauts, while alleging that Dalits were being unfairly deprived of opportunities despite the presence of numerous qualified candidates.
After praising astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's accomplishments, Udit Raj claimed that individuals from backward communities, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes were being excluded from similar chances.
“When Rakesh Sharma was chosen for the first time, there weren't many educated individuals from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds. However, this time, a candidate from these communities could have been selected. This wasn't based on an exam; it was solely a government decision,” Udit Raj emphasized.
In response to the Congress, Minister Gangwar asserted that the BJP adheres to the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwaas' and reminded the historical party that President Droupadi Murmu represents the Adivasi community and former President Ram Nath Kovind comes from the Dalit community.
He accused the Congress of fracturing the nation, the military, and soldiers along caste lines, labeling it a prime example of the party's 'cheap mentality.'
Udit Raj's comments also sparked backlash from a Congress leader, with Congress MP from Bihar, Manoj Kumar, warning Udit Raj against politicizing matters of national and strategic significance.
BJP leader Ram Kadam condemned the Congress leader, asserting that such roles necessitate intellectual capability and professional expertise, and that caste should play no role in space missions.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which carried Shukla and three other astronauts on the Axiom-4 Mission, successfully landed in the Pacific Ocean off the Southern California coast on July 15.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the ongoing complexities of caste dynamics in Indian politics. While Minister Gangwar's defense of the BJP's inclusive policies is noteworthy, the Congress' accusations reflect broader societal concerns. This discourse emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that transcends political rivalry and truly addresses the issues faced by marginalized communities.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the recent comments from UP Minister Gangwar?
UP Minister Gangwar's comments were prompted by Congress leader Udit Raj's allegations regarding caste bias in astronaut selection.
What does the BJP stand for according to Minister Gangwar?
Minister Gangwar emphasized that the BJP operates on the principles of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwaas'.
Who are the notable leaders mentioned in this political discourse?
The discussion involves UP Minister Sanjay Gangwar, Congress leader Udit Raj, and former Presidents Droupadi Murmu and Ram Nath Kovind.
What was Udit Raj's main argument regarding astronaut selection?
Udit Raj suggested that the selection process for astronauts was biased against individuals from Dalit and backward communities.
What was the outcome of the Axiom-4 Mission?
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which included astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully landed in the Pacific off the Southern California coast.
