"Hinduism is nothing but collection of castes; if caste is removed, there's no Hinduism": DMK MP A Raja on caste, social justice

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 10 (ANI): DMK MP A Raja on Friday spoke extensively about caste, social justice, and political accountability, asserting that Hinduism is nothing but a collection of castes, and if it were removed, there would be no Hinduism.
The DMK leader made the remarks "Hinduism is nothing but collection of castes; if caste is removed, there's no Hinduism": DMK MP A Raja on caste, social justiceattending the centenary celebration of Periyarist scholar V Aanaimuthu and the release of a commemorative book at the Mutthamizh Peravai Auditorium in Adyar. During his address, Raja emphasised the ongoing challenges of untouchability and caste-based discrimination in Indian society.
"Hinduism is nothing but a collection of castes. If caste is removed, there is no Hinduism. When someone converts to another religion, they are invited into that faith. Why do you refuse entry? If people want to join Hinduism, the real question is -- into which caste will you place them?" Raja said.
He further pointed out that it was during British colonial rule that formal classifications such as 'Untouchables,' 'Unseeables,' and 'Unapproachables' were formally recorded.
"It was the white rulers who created the list of Untouchables, Unseeables, and Unapproachables in India. These are not questions to ask fan club members, but fundamental truths to be addressed," he added.
Raja also shared his personal experience of caste-based prejudice, saying, "Because of untouchability, my grandfather fled to Sri Lanka. My father ensured my education. Thanks to Periyar, Anna and Kalaignar, I became a Member of Parliament and later a Union Minister. Today, my son is studying law abroad. I have the courage to say this openly."
Taking aim at critics, the DMK MP questioned, "Those who got trapped in stampedes, and those who may fall into it tomorrow -- who was your grandfather, who was his grandfather? Why did you not study?... We must build politics on philosophy, because we are living in a time where politics without ideology has taken over."
Questioning the political accountability, the DMK leader also asked, "If shoes were hurled at important leaders inside Parliament, would India remain silent? Would it be brushed aside in just three days?" (ANI)