OBC, SC, ST most corrupt says Ashis Nandy

Noted author, sociologist and political critic Ashis Nandy on Saturday kicked up a storm with his comments that people from OBC, SC and ST communities were the ‘most corrupt’, remarks that came under all round attack.  At a panel discussion at the festival, Nandy said, "Most corrupt people come from OBC, SC and ST communities". Journalist Ashutosh, who was among the panelists, and most members from the audience took strong exception to the statement. "This is the most bizarre statement I have heard. The Brahmins and the upper cast can do away with all the corruption but when a low caste person emulates the same thing it becomes so wrong. Such statement is not right," he said. Hours after Nandy made the remarks at the on-going Jaipur Literature Festival, an FIR was lodged with the police against him in Jaipur under Section 506 IPC (criminal intimidation) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes(Prevention of Atrocities) Act. 

Addressing a press conference in the evening, Nandy told reporters he was misunderstood. "As should be clear, there was neither any intention nor any attempt to hurt any community," he said. Roy said: "They have clarified their position and have understood that it was a misunderstanding. Controversies are easily created. Please be responsible." However, the BSP did not accept the clarification. Talking to media persons in Delhi, Mayawati said Nandy's comments were wrong, baseless and unfortunate. "Our party demands that the Rajasthan government should register a case and he should be sent to jail," she said.