Chirag Paswan challenges Rahul Gandhi over Dalit discrimination record

Paswan dismissed the criticism, arguing that if systemic discrimination persists, it is a direct indictment of the Congress party’s own historical governance. He contended that those currently expressing outrage are the same individuals who had ample opportunity to reform the social order but failed to do so. The minister emphasized that his government takes the issue seriously, yet challenged the opposition to reconcile their current rhetoric with their long tenure in power.

The dispute intensified following a ritual conducted by a right-wing group at a Haldwani venue where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had spoken. Rahul Gandhi labeled the act 'purification' as a criminal manifestation of untouchability, directly accusing BJP and RSS members of perpetuating such practices. In response, Paswan firmly defended the current constitutional framework for reservations. He insisted that reservation remains rooted in social discrimination rather than economic status, stating that any attempt to alter this foundation requires a formal proposal on the floor of the Lok Sabha.