In a thought-provoking address in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, retired Army Major General GD Bakshi delivered a staunch critique of caste-based politics in India, emphasizing the need for national unity. His comments came during an event aimed at addressing the ongoing issues related to caste divisions even after 78 years of Independence.
Bakshi highlighted that the concept of caste was introduced by the British to implement a “divide and rule” strategy. He expressed dismay that, despite decades of independence, caste politics continues to plague the nation. “Hum sab Bharatiya hain… We all are Indians!” Bakshi declared, asserting that the notion of caste does not exist within the Indian lexicon, pointing out that the term originated from a Portuguese word, ‘casta.’ He questioned the essence of Indian identity by asking, “If I am Bakshi, you are Gupta, other is Singh, then who here really is an Indian?”
Emphasizing the dangers of division caused by caste, Bakshi advocated for reservation policies to be based on economic criteria rather than caste affiliations, arguing that genuine unity among all Indians can only be achieved by moving past these outdated divisions.
Bakshi did not shy away from addressing political figures, subtly criticizing former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for labeling Hindutva as a “disease.” Without directly naming her, he retorted, “Sabse badi bimari to wo khud hain!….She herself is the biggest disease!” His assertion was that Mufti’s leadership had led the nation to experience significant challenges.
The conversation then shifted to the Agniveer program, which was introduced by the central government in June 2022. Bakshi expressed that the initiative had been rushed and lacked thorough planning. Drawing on his personal experiences from the Bangladesh War, he stated, “When I was fighting the war with Bangladesh, its tenure was 7 years. At present also, the tenure should be increased from 4 years to 7 years.” He stressed that extending the serving period would benefit both the soldiers and the armed forces.
Bakshi also raised concerns over the rising instances of attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh, calling for a collective struggle to protect religion and culture. He urged a sense of solidarity among the Indian populace, asserting that overcoming divisions based on caste and religion is essential for building a robust and prosperous nation.
The event served as a platform for Major Bakshi to articulate his commitment towards preserving Indian culture and advocating unity among its diverse communities. He concluded his remarks with a powerful call for collective action, encouraging all Indians to unite for a brighter future.
