Political Sparks Fly: Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and Anurag Thakur in Fierce Caste Debate

Tensions rise in Indian politics as Akhilesh Yadav criticizes CM house cleansing with Gangajal, Rahul Gandhi rebuffs Anurag Thakur's caste remarks, and INDIA Alliance condemns BJP's caste-based rhetoric. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defends BJP, sparking further controversy.

Political tensions escalated on Wednesday as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP over caste-related remarks by Anurag Thakur, particularly targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Yadav recalled the day the Chief Minister's house in Uttar Pradesh was cleansed with Gangajal, questioning the BJP's stance on modernity and tradition.

Yadav said, 'I will never forget the day when the CM's house was cleaned with Gangajal. How can you talk about Digital India and yet resort to such archaic rituals?' Adding to his critique, Yadav shared an incident where Gangajal was also used to cleanse a temple he visited.

In response to the INDIA Alliance's unified criticism, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned Congress, accusing them of inciting division based on caste. Rijiju asserted that the Congress party constantly questions the caste of various groups but takes issue when asked about Rahul Gandhi's caste.

DMK MP Kanimozhi expressed concern about the message BJP's comments send to the youth. She criticized a speech retweeted by the Prime Minister that emphasized caste. Thakur, however, remained firm, criticizing Rahul Gandhi for lacking clarity on his caste while advocating for a caste census.

Rahul Gandhi retaliated, insisting he would continue to fight for marginalized communities despite personal insults. He emphasized his commitment to seeing a caste census passed in Parliament. 'Insult me every day, but the caste census will be passed,' Gandhi declared.

(With inputs from agencies.)