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Union Minister Suresh Gopi Faces Criticism for ‘Upper Caste’ Comments Regarding Tribal Affairs Role
K. Radhakrishnan, a leader from the CPI(M) and Member of Parliament for Alathur, criticized Gopi’s statement, claiming it violated the Constitution. He questioned, “Why has there been no progress if individuals from Gopi’s caste have been in power for the past 78 years? The notion that a high-caste individual should govern is fundamentally flawed.”
CPI Kerala Secretary Benoy Viswam labeled Gopi a “proponent of the Chaturvarna system” and called for his removal from the Union Ministry. Additionally, prominent tribal leader CK Janu condemned Gopi’s remarks as “demeaning,” alleging that he lacks an understanding of tribal issues and their struggles.
Dalit activist Sunny M Kapicad challenged Gopi’s perspective, asking if he recognized that India does not have separate government departments or portfolios based on caste. “India is a democratic country. There are no upper or lower castes—only citizens with equal rights,” Kapicad asserted.
During a BJP election campaign meeting in New Delhi, Gopi had expressed his long-standing hope to be involved in the Tribal Welfare Ministry, arguing that those “born in the upper caste” should oversee tribal welfare. He stated, “It is my dream and expectation that someone from outside the tribal community be appointed for their welfare. Let a Brahmin or a Naidu take charge—this could bring about significant change. Likewise, individuals from backward communities should be responsible for the welfare of forward communities.” He emphasized that such changes should occur within the framework of our democratic system.
In the face of mounting criticism, Gopi later sought to clarify his comments, insisting they were made with honorable intentions. “If my comment has not been well received or if my explanation is unsatisfactory, I retract my statement,” he said, adding that his goal was to eliminate discrimination. “I did not categorize anyone as good or bad; my only aim was to break free from these constraints,” he further explained.
New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.
According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.
The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.
The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.
Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.
In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.
Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.
The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
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