New Delhi/IBNS: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while asserting the need for a caste census on Saturday, stated that due to caste inequalities in India, 90% of the population's participation is not seen in most sectors—for instance, no “Dalit or Adivasi” woman has ever become Miss India.

The bizarre remark elicited strong criticism from BJP leaders, with Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju saying that it could only emanate from “bal buddhi”.

Slamming Gandhi, Rijiju said he should have checked whether his statement aligned with the facts before making such a claim.

On Saturday, addressing the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, Gandhi had said India can't function well without the involvement of the "90 percent" population.

"I have checked the list of Miss India, which did not have any Dalit, Adivasi (tribal) or OBC (Other Backward Classes) women. Some will talk about cricket or Bollywood. No one will show the cobbler or plumber. Even top anchors in the media are not from the 90 percent," Gandhi told reporters in Prayagraj.

"We want to know how many in institutions, corporates, Bollywood, Miss India are from the 90 percent. I am only saying that 90 percent did not have bhagidari and this should be checked," the Congress MP said.

Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism over lack of representation of lower caste, OBCs and tribals across sectors, Rijiju advised the Congress leader to do a fact-check.

The MP from Arunachal Pradesh reminded Rahul Gandhi that President Droupadi Murmu is the first tribal to hold the office of President in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is from the OBC community, and the Union Cabinet includes a record number of ministers from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities.

"Now, he wants reservations in Miss India competitions, films, sports! It is not only an issue of 'Bal Budhi', but people who cheer him are equally responsible too!" Mr Rijiju posted. "Childish wit may be good for entertainment but don't make fun of backward communities in your divisive tactics," he said in Hindi.

"Rahul Gandhi ji, governments don't select Miss India, governments don't select athletes for Olympics, and governments do not choose actors for films... Rahul Gandhi ji made it clear that the Supreme Court won't be allowed to alter reservations in IAS, IPS, IFS, all top services recruitment. But he can't see 1st tribal President, OBC PM, record numbers of SC/ST cabinet ministers"  Rijiju said.

Hours after Rahul Gandhi’s comment over missing tribal representation in top beauty pageants like Miss India, Dr. B.L.Sreenivas Solanky, National Executive Member of BJP's Yuva Morcha, fact-checked him, pointing out that in 2022, Riya Ekka, from tribal district of Chhattisgarh's Jashpur, earned the Miss India title through her talent and perseverance.

"No-one insults our BC communities more than RaGa!" he said, slamming the Congress leader for underestimating the backward communities.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari shared a video of Ekka, noting that just two years ago, a tribal girl from Chhattisgarh won the Miss India title.

He accused Rahul Gandhi of promoting a divisive agenda filled with falsehoods.

Meanwhile, BJP national Spokesperson Shazia Ilmi said, "Rahul Gandhi must know that the Miss India, Miss Universe contests are not organised by the government. It is appalling to note that the leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha checked the list of contestants of Miss India for their caste. He went even as far as questioning how many Dalits and OBCs were involved in the 'halwa ceremony, held before Budget."

"First of all, I want to point out that he has made a joke about the caste issue in India. Instead of seeking social justice for them, understanding the grave issue, he trivialised it. His remark only reflects his ignorance and lack of maturity," she said.