Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Indian retired Army Major General GD Bakshi strongly criticized caste-based politics prevailing in India even after 78 years of Independence.
He was speaking at an event organised in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur on Thursday where he stated that ‘caste ideology’ was introduced in India by the Britishers only to ‘divide and rule’ and even today, this proves to be the cause of the country’s 'weakness.'
‘Who is Indian here?’
Speaking to the media, Major Bakshi said, “Hum sab Bharatiya hain… We all are Indians! Indian lexican doesn’t not contain the word caste. It originated from a Portuguese word ‘casta,’ and was introduced in India by the Britishers to break us and rule us. What’s saddening is that, even after 78 years of Independence, the nation is forced to witness caste-based politics.”
He further questioned, “If I am Bakshi, you are Gupta, other is Singh and who here really is an Indian?”
‘Reservation must be on economic criteria’
#WATCH | 'If I Am Bakshi, You Are Gupta, Singh..., Then Who Is An Indian?,' Major General GD Bakshi Condemns Caste-Politics At An Event In Jabalpur#GDBakshi @GeneralBakshi #MPNews #IndiaNews #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/rkfqYEVZ0K
— Free Press Madhya Pradesh (@FreePressMP) December 12, 2024
He advocated for reservation based on economic criteria instead of caste and questioned how a country divided by caste could truly unite as ‘Indians.’ Bakshi emphasized that such divisions are dangerous to India's unity and integrity.
Major Bakshi’s attack on Mehbooba Mufti
Major Bakshi also subtly attacked former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, for terming Hindutva as a ‘disease.’ Without naming anyone, he said, ‘Sabse badi bimari to wo khud hain!....She herself is the biggest disease!’
Major Bakshi claimed that the former CM had made the country suffer several losses.
‘Agniveer must be increase to 7 years of service’
#WATCH | 'Agniveer's Tenure Must Be Increased To 7 Years And 70% Of The Force Must Be Retained': Major GD Bakshi@GeneralBakshi #Jabalpur #IndianArmy #Agniveer pic.twitter.com/NHK0nu2MNp
— Free Press Madhya Pradesh (@FreePressMP) December 12, 2024
When asked about his opinion on the Agvineer program launched by the central government in June 2022, the Major said that it was implemented in a haste and the launch should have been done after more planning and discussions. “When I was fighting the war with Bangladesh, It’s tenure was 7 years. At present also, the tenure should be increased from 4 years to 7 years.”
‘It time to stay united’
Expressing concern over attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh, Bakshi said it is a time for struggle. He urged people to stand united and protect their religion & culture. Stressing the need for national solidarity, he said that India must rise above divisions of caste and religion to build a strong and prosperous nation.
The event highlighted Bakshi's commitment to preserving Indian culture and fostering unity among its people. He concluded with a call for collective effort, urging Indians to come together for a better future.