Mumbai, May 30: Anand Dubey, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), responded to several significant issues, including the national anthem ‘Vande Mataram’, the operations of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Maratha reservation movement, the potential Rajya Sabha candidacy of Y.S. Sharmila, and the ongoing debate over halal certification for dairy products.
Welcoming the Supreme Court’s recent comments on the NEET exam and NTA’s operations, Dubey stated that the court has rightly suggested that the NTA should learn from institutions like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
He emphasized that the UPSC is the most prestigious and reliable examination body in the country, conducting exams for IAS, IPS, and other all-India services for years. Incidents of paper leaks are almost unheard of in UPSC exams, while recent years have seen numerous paper leak cases in NEET and various recruitment exams, undermining the trust of students and candidates.
Dubey accused the NTA of negligence and expressed hope that necessary reforms would follow the Supreme Court’s reprimand.
Responding to the controversy over ‘Vande Mataram’ in Kerala, Dubey asserted that the national anthem should be respected and sung in its entirety wherever it is performed. He urged those unfamiliar with the anthem’s lyrics or melody to learn them.
He also suggested that the Congress party should take this matter seriously, recalling that many senior leaders and ancestors of the party sang ‘Vande Mataram’ during the freedom movement. The national anthem symbolizes the country’s unity, the freedom struggle, and national pride, and thus deserves respect from all political parties and citizens.
On the issue of Maratha reservation, Dubey stressed the need for meaningful dialogue between the protesting leaders and the Maharashtra government. He noted that Manoj Jarange has been advocating for reservation for the Maratha community for several years and has temporarily suspended protests after discussions with the government.
He stated that while efforts continue to secure reservation benefits for the Maratha community, a permanent solution has yet to be reached between the government and the protesters.
Dubey suggested that the Chief Minister and Manoj Jarange should sit together to find a solution that addresses both parties’ concerns and maintains stability in society.
Regarding the prospects of Andhra Pradesh Congress leader Y.S. Sharmila entering the Rajya Sabha, Dubey responded positively. He acknowledged Sharmila’s influence in Andhra Pradesh politics and noted that her active role at the national level could benefit the party.
However, he clarified that the selection of Rajya Sabha candidates is an internal matter for Congress, and the final decision rests with the party leadership. According to Dubey, Congress should consider how to maximize its advantage in this political situation, noting that the party appears strong in several seats for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
On the ongoing debate about halal certification for dairy products, Dubey called for a balanced perspective. He mentioned that halal certification is recognized in several countries, particularly in Gulf and other Muslim-majority nations, and may be a commercial necessity for products exported there.
He acknowledged that many people in India hold differing views on halal certification, and their sentiments are affected by such certifications for dairy products.
Dubey stated that if a company obtains certification to meet foreign market demands, it should be transparently communicated to consumers. He stressed the importance of respecting the feelings and beliefs of all communities on this issue and resolving any disputes through dialogue and transparency.
–
Leave a Comment