Such statements won’t woo voters, says U’khand CM Dhami on Rahul’s ‘two-cup system’ remark

Dehradun, Sep 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday hit out at the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on alleged caste-based untouchability in North India and accused the Congress leader of making such statements with an eye on electoral gains.

The Chief Minister's remarks came in view of Gandhi claiming during a press briefing in Delhi, last month, that the practice of using separate cups for different sections of society reflected continuing and systematic caste-based untouchability in villages and cities across North India.

Gandhi cited the 'two-cup system' as an example while arguing that caste-based discrimination and social prejudices continue to exist against marginalised communities. He also referred to claims concerning restricted access to village wells and difficulties faced by marginalised communities during wedding processions.

Reacting to Gandhi's remarks, CM Dhami questioned the basis of the Congress leader's claim and said that such statements did not reflect the reality on the ground.

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said, "Rahul Gandhi was also saying that disposable glasses are meant for one section of our society, while glass glasses are meant for another section. Everyone must have travelled across the country and visited different places. Has any shopkeeper ever asked your name or caste before serving you tea or food?"

CM Dhami further alleged that the LoP was raising such issues primarily with an intention to attract voters and criticised the Congress for what he described as a lack of ground-level work.

"I think such statements are being made only and only for votes, whereas one has to work for votes. If you or your earlier governments had worked, the people of the country would not have defeated you hundreds of times and shown you the way out hundreds of times. Now you are making such statements that have no connection with the ground reality. That is why the people have completely pulled the ground out from under your feet," he added.

The BJP has also strongly criticised Gandhi's remarks, dismissing the issue as "paper cup politics" and accusing the Congress of attempting to create divisions in everyday social interactions for political purposes.

The latest exchange comes amid heightened political debate over the alleged "Shuddhikaran" or purification ritual conducted at the Ram Leela Maidan in Haldwani following a public meeting addressed by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, last month.

Source: IANS