Congress Challenges Amit Shah Over Kharge Comment, Calls for Focus on Manipur and Caste Census

The Congress criticized Home Minister Amit Shah for attacking party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, urging him to address pressing issues like Manipur's situation and caste census. Kharge defended his stance, emphasizing the need for a nationwide caste census and accusing BJP of resisting transparency about caste-based economic and social status.

Amid heightened political tension, the Congress on Monday lashed out at Home Minister Amit Shah following his criticism of party leader Mallikarjun Kharge. The opposition party urged Shah to pivot his focus towards critical matters such as the strife in Manipur and the imperative of conducting a caste census.

Shah had earlier denounced Kharge's comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labeling them as 'distasteful and disgraceful.' Responding in a social media post, Kharge asserted that the Home Minister should prioritize significant issues, including the caste census, which has revealed that a vast majority of urban sanitation workers hail from marginalized communities.

Backing Kharge, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh and media chief Pawan Khera criticized Shah, accusing the BJP of evading essential discussions about caste and reservations. They called on Shah to address the entitlements and social status of marginalized communities. The debate underscores the deep-seated political rift over caste dynamics and social equity.

(With inputs from agencies.)