Secular image not working out, Congress is now back with caste politics, labeling BJP ‘anti-Brahmin’

Earlier, Muslims and Dalits have been encountered. This is the first time a Brahmin has been encountered and that is why this issue has become so big, said Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Husain Dalwai . While questioning the motive behind Dubey’s killing, the Congress leader said Yogi Adityanath will have to step down as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

On Friday, another Congress leader Udit Raj, took to Twitter and questioned the encounter, politicising the incident and bring in caste-based references to the act.

Jitin Prasada, member of the Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the Congress party, has announced the formation of a ‘Brahmin Chetna Parishad’. The organisation will work to create solidarity among the Brahmin community and ensure justice for its members. It has also been pointed out that the Congress party is using WhatsApp groups to run a concerted campaign to paint the Yogi Government as ‘anti-Brahmin’.

That Brahmin caste identity is being invoked publicly, as a legitimate mobilizing or rallying point, shows that Congress leaders have run out of ideas. It is also confusing because, just when there is a flurry of activities under the guidance of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on ‘secular’ and identity-neutral issues, a senior leader is attempting to centerstage caste-based action.

While it tries to paint the UP Government as being ‘anti-Brahmin’, it needs to be remembered here that the Congress party’s own relationship with the Brahmin Community has always agonized under their ‘secular’ image. The party suddenly appears to have developed a soft spot for Brahmins but all this while, they have nurtured and supported elements who have made it a point of order to hurl obscenities at the community.