In a recent outburst, Shuvendu Adhikari, a prominent political figure in west Bengal, has taken a strong stance against the state government’s new Other Backward Classes (OBC) notification.Speaking from a protest site in Salt Lake, he accused the ruling party of indulging in vote bank politics, claiming that the inclusion of minorities into the OBC category is a blatant attempt to manipulate demographics for electoral gain. Adhikari’s remarks have sparked a heated debate about the integrity of political practices in the state.
Adhikari’s criticism centers on the alleged inclusion of 98% of minorities into the OBC list without the approval of the National OBC Commission. He argues that this move is not just politically motivated but also detrimental to the very individuals it purports to help. “Some impoverished and marginalized individuals could have benefited from OBC status, but their opportunities are being squandered for political gain,” he lamented. The former minister further accused the government of providing refuge to Rohingyas in a bid to alter the demographic landscape of the state. His comments resonate with many who feel that the politics of appeasement have reached alarming levels in West Bengal, raising questions about the ethical implications of such strategies. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the ramifications of these actions will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming elections.
