BJP’s Ramchander Rao Hits Back at Kharge Over Caste Discrimination

Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao has accused the Congress of failing to eradicate caste discrimination despite ruling the country for decades after Independence, alleging that the party continues to exploit caste, religion and social divisions for political gains.

Reacting to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks that caste discrimination and untouchability could threaten the survival of Hinduism, Ramchander Rao questioned the Congress’s record on social equality. He argued that a party that governed India for several decades should explain why caste-based discrimination continues to persist.

The Telangana BJP chief also objected to Kharge’s repeated criticism of the BJP government over caste-related issues. He maintained that holding the BJP responsible for the problem overlooked the Congress’s own record in addressing social inequalities during its long tenure in power.

Ramchander Rao asserted that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) did not believe in the caste system and supported the establishment of a caste-free society. He accused the Congress of taking the opposite approach by allegedly using caste and religious identities to divide people and strengthen its political position.

He further claimed that the situation concerning caste discrimination had improved under BJP rule. His remarks came amid a political exchange over the persistence of untouchability and the responsibilities of political parties in promoting social harmony.

The BJP leader’s comments have added to the ongoing political debate over caste inequality, the legacy of successive governments and the role of political organisations in addressing discrimination.

BJP leader Prakash Reddy has criticised Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Rankala, questioning their claims of representing Generation Z and alleging that they were seeking political recognition.

Referring to proceedings before the Delhi High Court, Reddy discussed the activists’ proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 13. He stated that Delhi Police had arrested the two activists and subsequently sent them to judicial custody.

Reddy alleged that the activists projected themselves as influential voices in national politics despite their party having a presence primarily on social media. He argued that the CJP had yet to establish itself as a recognised political platform with a broader public presence.

The BJP leader questioned the activists’ claims to speak for young Indians, suggesting that their efforts were directed towards gaining political prominence. His criticism brought the party’s organisational standing and its claim to represent Generation Z into the political spotlight.