Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the central government, condemning the arrest of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Speaking at a session titled ‘Samvidhan Samman Sammelan’ in Haryana’s Panchkula, Gandhi alleged that individuals belonging to tribal or Dalit communities are unfairly targeted and framed by the authorities.
Gandhi highlighted the case of Hemant Soren, referring to him as the “tribal CM,” who remains in jail after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in January in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam. Despite several attempts for interim bail, the courts have consistently denied relief to Soren. The Supreme Court recently rejected his bail petition, citing concealment of facts related to the matter.
Drawing a comparison between Soren’s case and that of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested in March in connection with an alleged scam in the Delhi excise policy, Gandhi accused the system of being biased against lower castes. He criticized the lack of representation for lower castes in various sectors, asserting that arguments of “merit” are often used to justify this disparity.
Gandhi, reflecting on his own experience within the system due to his family background, claimed to have a deep understanding of its workings. He emphasized his familiarity with the system’s biases, preferences, and mechanisms, citing his upbringing in a political family and exposure to various levels of governance.
The Congress leader’s remarks underscore the broader debate surrounding social equity and representation within the Indian system, with concerns raised about systemic biases and marginalization of certain communities. As the discourse continues, Gandhi’s critique adds fuel to ongoing discussions on caste-based discrimination and access to justice in the country.
