Patna: Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Chirag Paswan on Tuesday lauded the Narendra Modi-led central government for its decision to seek the cancellation of the “lateral entry” system into the bureaucracy, describing it as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Paswan emphasized that this move underscores the government’s sensitivity to the rights and aspirations of these communities.
Centre’s Commitment to Social Justice
Addressing the media at a press conference in Patna, Paswan expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for taking steps to cancel the lateral entry system, which had been criticized for bypassing the traditional UPSC recruitment process that includes reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs. He highlighted that the government’s action is a significant step towards ensuring that the rights of the marginalized communities are protected.
“I thank my Prime Minister for seeking the cancellation of lateral entry, on behalf of my Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). This government has set a precedent. Hopefully, regimes of the future will show similar sensitivity to public sentiments,” Paswan said.
Criticism of the Opposition
Paswan did not shy away from attacking the Congress-led opposition, accusing them of “selective criticism” of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government while ignoring their own failures in addressing the needs of SCs, STs, and OBCs during their time in power. He questioned why previous governments had failed to fill up posts reserved for these communities, a responsibility that the current government has taken seriously.
“When the opposition points a finger at us, it needs to remember three fingers get pointed at itself. Why did these parties, while in power, not ensure recruitments against posts reserved for SCs, STs, and OBCs?” Paswan asked.
He further criticized the opposition for focusing on the NDA’s policies while turning a blind eye to issues in states governed by their own parties. “The current dispensation has been in power for only 10 years. Yet, the opposition has been busy with selective criticism, targeting only the NDA. Just look at their silence over the horrific rape (of a doctor, before murder) in neighboring West Bengal,” he added.
Support for Bharat Bandh
Paswan, whose late father Ram Vilas Paswan was one of the most prominent Dalit leaders in India, also expressed his party’s support for the Bharat Bandh called by SC and ST groups in protest against the recent Supreme Court judgment on reservations. The bandh, scheduled for Wednesday, has garnered widespread attention as it reflects the ongoing concerns regarding social justice and representation for marginalized communities.
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“My party understands the sentiment behind and is in support of the Bharat Bandh,” Paswan stated. However, he evaded a direct response when asked whether his party would actively participate in the bandh, but reiterated his opposition to the “creamy layer” concept within the Scheduled Castes. “We have from day one been opposed to creamy layer in Scheduled Castes since they are not just victims of social and educational backwardness but even untouchability.”
Concerns Over Discrimination
Paswan also addressed broader issues of discrimination that continue to plague Dalit communities in India. He shared a poignant example of an IPS officer who had to seek security for his own wedding to ensure that he could ride a horse, a traditional practice often denied to Dalit grooms due to caste-based discrimination. “Even after so many years of Independence, Dalit grooms are prevented from riding a horse during weddings. I learned about an IPS officer seeking security for his own marriage,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Dalits in society.
Wakf Bill Issue
On the Wakf Bill, Paswan stated that his party was in favor of sending the legislation to a Parliamentary committee for further deliberation. He expressed satisfaction that the government had agreed to this course of action. “My party was in favor of sending the legislation to a Parliamentary committee for necessary deliberations. The government has thankfully done the same. We are looking forward to an improved version of the bill,” he said.
Chirag Paswan’s remarks reflect the LJP’s strong stance on social justice and its support for the Modi government’s decisions that align with the interests of SCs, STs, and OBCs. His critique of the opposition and emphasis on the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of marginalized communities underscore the ongoing political discourse surrounding social justice in India.
