In an appalling display of caste-first politics, Congress leader Udit Raj has yet again reduced India’s scientific milestones to vote-bank narratives. As the nation celebrates Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic journey to the International Space Station, Raj chose to lament the lack of a Dalit astronaut instead of acknowledging Shukla’s achievements and merit. This remark is yet another example of the Congress party’s compulsive caste obsession, where even a space mission is not spared. The Congress seems more interested in filling identity quotas than fostering genuine excellence, proving once again that national pride comes second to divisive rhetoric in their playbook.
Congress Drags Caste into Orbit
As the nation proudly welcomed back Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the International Space Station, Congress leader Udit Raj sparked outrage by suggesting that a Dalit or OBC individual should have been chosen for the Axiom-4 mission instead. Rather than applauding the Indian Air Force officer’s exceptional training, commitment, and merit-based selection, Raj turned the spotlight on caste identity. “Someone could have been sent from these communities,” he said, adding that it was time to send a Dalit to space. This statement is not just ill-timed but also highlights the Congress party’s chronic addiction to identity politics—even in science and national achievements.
In doing so, Udit Raj conveniently ignored the rigorous selection, physical endurance, and years of flight experience required to earn a spot on a space mission. Shukla is a decorated Air Force pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying experience, selected through India’s premier human spaceflight program. But for the Congress, it seems even the sky isn’t free from caste calculations.
Merit Undermined, National Pride Sidelined
Udit Raj’s remarks have revived the tired “merit versus caste” debate, just as India reaches a new milestone in its space journey. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) invested over ₹550 crore in this international collaboration, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a strategic step toward Gaganyaan—India’s first indigenous human spaceflight. Shukla’s presence aboard the ISS was never about identity politics; it was about national preparedness, scientific acumen, and technological partnership.
But Congress leaders have an unfortunate track record of undermining merit. This isn’t the first time Udit Raj has gone rogue. Just months ago, he mocked fellow party leader Shashi Tharoor for praising the Modi government during a successful foreign operation, branding him a “super BJP spokesperson.” Raj’s comment on the space mission confirms that the Congress isn’t interested in celebrating national success unless it aligns with its narrow political lens.
Public Outrage Against Political Opportunism
The public backlash to Udit Raj’s comments has been swift and scathing. Social media users blasted him for trivializing the achievement of a trained Air Force pilot and reducing space exploration to caste appeasement. One user aptly said, “Space missions aren’t selected through caste lottery—they’re earned through skill, sacrifice, and sweat.” Many also pointed out the hypocrisy of a party that selectively weaponizes caste to score political points while ignoring grassroots development.
This is not an isolated incident. Congress has consistently politicized India’s achievements—be it Chandrayaan, defence operations, or even diplomatic successes—by either casting doubt on their legitimacy or twisting them through the lens of social justice for electoral gain. Udit Raj’s statement is symptomatic of a broader disease within the Congress: a compulsive need to divide India into vote banks, even if it means belittling national accomplishments.
A Proud Chapter, Tainted by Petty Politics
Born in Lucknow and trained at the National Defence Academy, Shubhanshu Shukla has exemplified excellence and discipline. His 18-day mission aboard the ISS was not just a personal victory but a giant leap for India’s aspirations in global space exploration. He became the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. His knowledge and experience will now contribute to India’s Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for 2027.
Yet, instead of hailing this mission as a moment of unity and national pride, the Congress found a way to inject division. This exposes a party that cannot distinguish between social equity and political opportunism, between genuine reform and hollow tokenism. Udit Raj’s remarks are not just offensive—they are insulting to every Indian who believes in merit, aspiration, and unity.
Science Deserves Respect, Not Reservation Politics
India’s space program is built on the sweat of scientists, engineers, and test pilots—not on caste checklists. By trying to reduce a scientific feat to a caste representation issue, the Congress has shown it is unfit to lead a nation driven by innovation. Udit Raj’s demand is not about representation; it’s about diluting excellence to pander to identity politics. In a time when India is aiming for the stars, the Congress is still stuck in the gutter of vote-bank calculations. It’s time to celebrate our heroes for their achievements not question their caste.