While the value of eliminating identity-based prejudice is upheld in speeches by politicians, actions don’t reflect this value (“Call for ‘Rohith Act’ to end campus casteism”, Feb. 25). Whenever an incident such as Rohith Vemula’s suicide occupies centre stage, politicians vociferously claim that they are committed to eliminating caste-based prejudice. But at the same time they politicise the issue and use the issue to criticise their opponents. They also continue to give in to the agitations of different castes across India demanding reservation without analysing the socio-economic implications. This sets a dangerous precedent. We can’t eliminate caste-based prejudice until we depoliticise caste. Calling for a new Act will not solve the problem; policymakers first need to show some integrity in their actions.
K.H. Krishna Harsha,Bengaluru
