![Divide and win](https://cdn.magzter.com/1366109351/1715837816/articles/jjefqhtno1715854123998/DIVIDE-AND-WIN.jpg)
If, as the BJP has long been stressing, and Modi has been underlining, religion is nowhere mentioned in the First Amendment of 1951, which brought in reservations for Other Backward Classes, it is also necessary to underline that “caste” is also nowhere mentioned in this connection. The operative word is “classes”—a point stressed by Jawaharlal Nehru moving the legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the select committee set up by Parliament. “Classes”, of course, include both castes and communities. That is why Nehru, moving the amendment on May 29, 1951, described our aim as being “to realise an egalitarian society”, given the indisputable fact and social reality that, “infinite divisions have grown up in our… social structure”. He, specifically, described these infinite divisions as relating to “the caste system or religious divisions”. The use of the words “Other Backward Classes” (OBCs) was clearly designed to address all backward groups whether of castes, or occupations, or religion.
Denne historien er fra May 26, 2024-utgaven av THE WEEK India.
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Denne historien er fra May 26, 2024-utgaven av THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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![COURSE CORRECTION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3180/1769963/3gj1q9gpP1721301517103/COURSE-CORRECTION.jpg)
COURSE CORRECTION
Nirmala Sitharaman may stick to the 'spend big' script, but not everything will be the same in the budget
![Mussoorie's misfortune](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3180/1769963/Myqd8qCT31721301310402/MUSSOORIES-MISFORTUNE.jpg)
Mussoorie's misfortune
We need more civil servants with values rather than ambitions and expectations
![Under the gun](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3180/1769963/1gDf30i9x1721301087917/UNDER-THE-GUN.jpg)
Under the gun
A spate of terror attacks in Jammu reveals systemic problems and rattles the BJP's allies
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WILD WILD BENGAL
Social media and local strongmen worsen the trauma of mob lynching
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Letting Delhi down
If Kejriwal is unable to perform his duties, he must name a replacement
![Missing in action](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3180/1769963/ZbVpYO6ia1721299020214/MISSING-IN-ACTION.jpg)
Missing in action
Kejriwal's absence does not affect routine governance, but cabinet meetings are not being held, hampering major policy decisions
![BJP MLAs have no confidence in the chief minister](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3180/1769963/O5WI_KlzV1721298836073/BJP-MLAS-HAVE-NO-CONFIDENCE-IN-THE-CHIEF-MINISTER.jpg)
BJP MLAs have no confidence in the chief minister
Q/ You have been saying that the days of the All India NR Congress-BJP government in Puducherry are numbered. How confident are you of a change?
![Troubled waters](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3180/1769963/CHce2tmIV1721298732777/TROUBLED-WATERS.jpg)
Troubled waters
Rebelling BJP legislators put the Rangasamy government in a spot
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ANOTHER STAR TURN?
After a spectacular poll victory, Pawan Kalyan puts his administrative capabilities to the test
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NO FRILL, JUST SKILL
Much like his father, Aamir, Junaid Khan prefers to let his acting do the talking