No Dalit, adivasi or OBC women in Miss India beauty pageant, says Rahul Gandhi; 'Bala Buddhi', mocks Union Minister Kiren Rijiju

LUCKNOW: Rahul Gandhi said that there were no Dalit and tribal members in the Miss India beauty pageant. Following this, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju ridiculed Rahul's statement as 'Bala Buddhi'. "Childish humour may be good for entertainment but don't make fun of backward communities in your divisive tactics," Kiren Rijiju said in Hindi. Rahul's remarks were made at Samvidhan Samman Sammelan held in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj demanding a caste census.

"India can't function well without the participation of the "90 per cent" population. Caste census is needed. I have checked the list of Miss India, which did not have any Dalit, adivasi (tribal) or OBC (Other Backward Classes) women. Some will talk about cricket or Bollywood. No one will show the cobbler or plumber. Even top anchors in the media are not from the 90 per cent. We want to know how many in institutions, corporates, Bollywood, Miss India are from the 90 per cent. I am only saying that 90 per cent did not have bhagidari and this should be checked. BJP may say I am trying to divide the country with his demand of a caste census," Rahul responded.

Kiran Rijiju responded against this. 'Now, He wants reservations in Miss India competitions, Films, sports! It is not only issue of "Bal Budhi", but people who cheer him are - equally responsible too! Childish humour may be good for entertainment but don't make fun of backward communities in your divisive tactics. Rahul Gandhi Ji, Governments don't select Miss India, Govts don't select athletes for Olympics, and Govts do not choose actors for Films!" Kiran Rijiju posted on X. Rijiju also said that Rahul does not see the first President from the tribal community, the Prime Minister from the OBC community and ministers from the SC and ST communities.