A major political controversy has broken out in Gujarat following contentious remarks made by former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela concerning affirmative action. The 86-year-old leader stated that he would pay 50,000 rupees a month to anyone from the Patel, Bania, or Brahmin communities willing to take up manual scavenging. His comments immediately drew sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, which accused him of stoking caste-based tensions and fostering social discord across the state.
Vaghela Defends Reservation Policy at Sagbara Rally
The remarks were made during a public gathering held on October 2 to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti in Sagbara, a tribal-dominated pocket located in the Narmada district. Addressing the audience, the former Rajya Sabha member strongly defended the reservation framework while criticizing voices that advocate for its removal. He argued that constitutional quotas are not a handout granted out of charity, but rather a hard-won entitlement meant to offset generations of discrimination and suffering.
Directly challenging opponents of reservations from privileged backgrounds, Vaghela offered monetary compensation to anyone willing to perform manual scavenging tasks. He said, "If you are ready to do manual scavenging, I will pay you a monthly salary of 50,000 rupees and give you the job of cleaning these people's waste." He maintained that experiencing the harsh realities faced by tribal groups is the only way for critics to genuinely comprehend their everyday struggles. He described reservation as an indispensable measure to right historical wrongs. Notably, his remarks arrived amid growing political speculation regarding his potential return to the Congress fold.
BJP's Yagnesh Dave Mounts Strong Counterattack
The Bharatiya Janata Party responded forcefully to the statements. Prominent Brahmin leader Yagnesh Dave spoke to reporters, condemning the attempt to polarize society along community lines. He pointed out that manual scavenging has already been formally eliminated across the nation. Dave stressed that both past and incumbent administrations have worked systematically to ensure justice and dignified living conditions for historically marginalized groups.
Dave directly rebuked Vaghela's monetary challenge to the Patel, Bania, and Brahmin communities, asserting that such comments are deeply flawed and disrespectful. He responded with a counter-challenge of his own: "Clean the garbage at my house, and I will give you five lakh rupees." Dave cautioned that remarks aimed at antagonizing the Brahmin community would not be taken lightly, urging Vaghela to contemplate the broader consequences of such divisive political statements.
