Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's 'casteist' post sparks controversy, Congress demands apology

Himanta Biswa Sarma's 'casteist' post: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is in the news once again. Sarma's X post, discussing the duties of different castes, drew condemnation, especially for stating that the duty of Shudras was to serve the so-called upper caste.

Now, Dr Udit Raj, former MP and Congress spokesperson, has strongly criticised Sarma for his 'Manuwadi mindset.'

Condemnation and Deletion

As the news spread via a leading portal and Dr Udit Raj expressed disapproval on X, Sarma promptly deleted his post. The incident prompted strong words from Dr Udit Raj, who drew parallels between Sarma's mindset and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Influence from PM Modi and RSS Ideology

Referring to PM Modi's 2007 book 'Karmyog,' Dr Udit Raj highlighted that Modi had suggested spirituality in scavenging. Dr Raj questioned whether Modi's followers should embrace scavenging if it's considered spiritual. He recalled the controversy around Modi's book, where 4,000 copies were withdrawn after widespread criticism.

RSS Uncomfortable with Constitution

Dr Udit Raj went on to discuss the RSS's historical discomfort with the Constitution, with instances of burning copies and effigies of Dr BR Ambedkar in 1949. He mentioned Savarkar's suggestion to replace the Constitution with Manusmriti. Golvalkar, a prominent RSS chief, expressed a preference for British rule over Dalit, OBC, and minority rule after the end of British Raj.

Warning to Dalits, OBC, and Adivasi

Highlighting the implications of Sarma's mindset, Dr Udit Raj warned that the ultimate objective might be to dismantle the Constitution and reintroduce the Varna System. The Congress Party demanded an apology from PM Modi, stating that failure to do so would imply a pushback to the old social order. Dr Udit Raj called on Dalits and OBCs to protest against the BJP and RSS, urging them to stand against these perceived fascist forces.