Summary:

• Hemant Soren resigned as Jharkhand Chief Minister, got arrested in a land scam case, and faced controversial remarks from Aaj Tak anchor Sudhir Chaudhary. Chaudhary questioned if the SC/ST community, to which Soren belongs, should receive reservation benefits.

On January 31, Hemant Soren stepped down as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and subsequently faced arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a land scam case. Following these events, Aaj Tak anchor Sudhir Chaudhary, in a veiled commentary, questioned whether the Soren family, belonging to the SC/ST community, should be entitled to “reservation” or the advantages outlined in the SC/ST Act.

In a loaded monologue, Chaudhary speculated about Soren’s night in jail, likening it to a regression of 20, 30, or 40 years, drawing a comparison with an Adivasi returning to the jungle. He emphasized Soren’s accustomed luxurious lifestyle and predicted a challenging night for him.

Chaudhary, seemingly assuming the economic status of the tribal community, suggested that affluent individuals within the community should not be granted reservation benefits, which not only ensure social representation but also provide economic aid to marginalized groups.

Questioning the Soren family’s eligibility for reservation and benefits under the SC/ST Act, Chaudhary remarked on their wealth, contending that they were wealthier than many affluent families in the country and resided in opulent bungalows. He highlighted that, despite this, Soren had filed a case against the Enforcement Directorate under the SC/ST Act following his arrest.

Previously, Newslaundry reported on the lack of caste representation in Indian media leadership positions, with none of the 121 surveyed roles held by individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.

In response to Chaudhary‘s comments, a tribal group, the Aadivasi Sena in Ranchi, lodged a police complaint under the SC/ST Act, alleging derogatory remarks. The complaint, filed after Chaudhary’s show “Black and White” aired on January 31, sought the registration of an FIR against the Aaj Tak anchor.