http://timesofindia
Blaming It On Caste
May 5, 2010, 12.00am IST
Caste, often, makes its appearance in unusual circumstances. DMK chief
M Karunanidhi believes that caste leaves its mark even on corruption
scandals. He thinks that A Raja, Union minister for communications and
information technology and a senior DMK leader, is facing corruption
charges because he is a Dalit. The opposition has accused Raja of
corruption in the 2G spectrum allotment and wants him to resign. The
DMK chief is free to defend his minister and oppose the opposition's
attempt to force him out of the Union cabinet. But should he lean on
the minister's caste to make his defence? Raja has been accused of
cronyism and financial misappropriation. His detractors believe that
these contributed to loss of revenue for the government. An impartial
assessment of the allegations needs to be made. A defence in favour or
against the minister must be made accordingly.
To accuse those who have made allegations against Raja and his
ministry as motivated by caste prejudice is to obfuscate the issue and
is unacceptable. In fact, such comments dilute the fight against
caste. Caste discrimination continues to be rampant in India and
Dalits face the brunt of it. That, however, is no reason to suspect
caste prejudice behind corruption charges levelled against a Dalit
minister. If the DMK chief feels that the allegations against his
minister are not backed by facts, he should challenge them on that
ground. The fight against caste prejudice should not be mixed up with
the need to have transparency and accountability in public office.
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