NDA MP Alleges Discrimination Against OBC Hindus In Kerala, State Finance Minister Does Fact Check
[Update: The title of the article has been changed as it earlier suggested that Rajeev Chandrashekhar is a BJP MP. However, he is an independent candidate with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Chandrashekhar is the vice chairman of BJP-led NDA in Kerala.]
On February 27, MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar raised serious allegations against Kerala government accusing that the state showcased discrimination towards OBC Hindus.
Chandrasekhar is the vice chairman of the BJP-led coalition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala. He is also the founder of a private firm Jupiter Capital Pvt Ltd.
He took Twitter to accuse the Kerala State Backward Development Corporation’s new initiative of giving start-up loan for professionals. “This is a good scheme like #Mudra, but why do Hindu OBC professionals get lower loans (20 lacs) versus Minorities (30 lacs)? isn’t this discrimination or appeasement? violative of Art (14) n responsibility of Govt to be fair to all?” he tweeted.
https://twitter.com/rajeev_mp/status/968681742650417153
But Kerala finance minister Dr TM Thomas Isaac refuted all the claims raised by the MP, stating relevant facts. Dr Isaac accused Chandrasekhar of spreading hatred by misleading people through false claims.
The National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation grants Rs 10 lakh loan to OBC Hindus, while it lends Rs 30 lakh loan to religious minorities, according to the details in the website. “Here the Kerala government grants Rs 20 lakh loan to OBC Hindus. The state adds its share. If the central government will give an additional ten lakhs, both the OBC Hindus and the religious minorities will get Rs 30 lakh each,” state finance minister said in his Facebook post.
Dr Isaac accused Rajeev Chandrasekhar of making wrong statements and asked him to challenge PM Narendra Modi to comment on the issue. “The term of the Lok Sabha MP is 5 years and the term of the Rajya Sabha is six years. The Rajya Sabha members are representing the State Legislature. Their position demands greater responsibility for their actions and comments”, he added in his Facebook post. He also asked the MP not to create communal polarisation by making such remarks.
The Logical Indian take
A position of power comes with responsibilities. While this isn’t a case of fake news, communicating incomplete information can have equal adverse repercussions. Anything said on a public platform, especially by a member of the parliament, should be fact-checked so as to not misinform citizens.