 |
|
The Indian Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange between Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, sparked by a critique of the traditional pre-Budget 'Halwa' ceremony. The incident, which has gone viral on social media, highlights the ongoing political tension surrounding issues of caste and representation in India.
Gandhi's criticism focused on the lack of diversity in the preparation of the 'Halwa', a sweet dish traditionally prepared and distributed to mark the commencement of the Budget process. Displaying a picture of the ceremony, Gandhi pointed out that of the 20 officers involved, only one belonged to a minority community and one was from the Other Backward Classes (OBC). He highlighted the stark contrast between this representation and the fact that 73% of the Indian population belongs to these communities. Sitharaman's visible reaction – placing her hands over her face and nodding disapprovingly – further fueled the controversy.
The BJP, however, quickly countered Gandhi's criticism with a strong defense of their record and a history of accusations against the Congress. BL Santhosh, the BJP's national general secretary (organisation), posted on X (formerly Twitter) pictures of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation's board members, questioning their caste backgrounds. Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT department, alleged that the Congress has been 'anti-SC/ST and OBC' since Independence, highlighting the Congress' past opposition to the constitutional status of the OBC Commission.
Gandhi's speech drew parallels from the Mahabharata, comparing the current political climate to a 'Chakravyuh of lotus', a reference to the BJP's symbol. He claimed that the Budget was designed to benefit big businesses and strengthen the 'deep state' at the expense of ordinary citizens. His speech, while highly symbolic, raises broader concerns about social justice and inclusivity in the context of Indian politics.
The incident highlights a deeper political divide in India, where issues of caste and representation continue to be intertwined with political rhetoric and accusations. The BJP's quick and assertive response underscores the importance of these issues in the upcoming elections. While the 'Halwa' ceremony may seem like a symbolic ritual, the debate it sparked reflects the ongoing struggles for power, representation, and social justice in India.
Source: Rahul Gandhi's Speech, Nirmala Sitharaman's Viral Reaction And A BJP Pushback