Premium
This is an archive article published on May 20, 2007

Tailpiece

Why are Bengalis suddenly referring to their caste identity? It became crucial ever since the vote tilted in favour of Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee..

google-preferred-btn
.

Why are Bengalis suddenly referring to their caste identity? It became crucial ever since the vote tilted in favour of Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the presidential race, who is a Brahmin. So Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi now refers to himself as a Kayasth in conversations with mediapersons, which has surprised journalists from his home state. Incidentally, one of the questions frequently asked of Dasmunsi is whether he will become Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha after July, the obvious reference being to Mukherjee’s possible election as President. So, is it time for a Kayasth now?

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Live Blog
PHOTOS
In pics: From concept supercars to electronic SUV's: Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 was all about innovation
In Pics: From Concept Supercars to Electric SUVs – Innovation at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
Top Stories
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks during a press conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Jan. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh, File)
ExplainedSheikh Hasina sentenced to death: what happens now
Investigators say he worked closely with suicide bomber Umar Nabi as the probe widens across multiple states.
Red Fort Blast: NIA arrests another aide of Umar Nabi, was involved in modifying drones
Renowned for his courage and bravery to perform extremely adventurous and dangerous scenes without stunt doubles, it was Jayan's penchant for perfection that eventually led to his untimely demise.
EntertainmentMalayalam's first action hero did over 100 films in 6 years; died performing dangerous stunt hanging from a helicopter
Kajol and Twinkle Khanna turn host with Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle
EntertainmentAwkward conversations and constant interruptions, Kajol and Twinkle Khanna’s show has nothing much to say
Akon pants pulled during Bengaluru concert
TrendingAkon ‘harassed’ on stage in Bengaluru, viral video shows fans pulling singer’s pants during concert: ‘India has no respect for any artist’
donkeys pull Mahindra Thar Roxx in Maharashtra
TrendingMaharashtra man makes donkeys pull SUV in protest against dealership over ‘faulty car’; video goes viral
In both innings at Eden Gardens, India's Ravindra Jadeja fell leg before the wicket to Harmer. Both times, he was guilty of playing with the bat behind the pad. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
SportsHow Kolkata pitch exposed Indian batsmen’s weakness of skill and temperament
Temba Bavuma is calm, even soporific, a square silhouette of perfection. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
SportsTemba Bavuma: South Africa's Iron Man with a giant heart, undefeated and unbroken, leads from the front at Eden Gardens for famous win
Key to Bihar’s victory script is the new grammar of Modi politics, governance
OpinionKey to Bihar’s victory script is the new grammar of Modi politics, governance
crypto explained
Amid poor guardrails, global crypto market stood at $2.6 bn in 2024, could grow to $15 bn by 2035
Oncologist on early cancer warning signs you must never overlook
Lifestyle‘Don’t ignore a lump or a mouth ulcer that won’t heal’: Oncologist explains early symptoms of India’s most common cancers
Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus
TechnologySennheiser SoundProtex Plus review: The decibel-killer that helps you sleep better
Advertisement
Must Read
SportsHow Kolkata pitch exposed Indian batsmen’s weakness of skill and temperament
In both innings at Eden Gardens, India's Ravindra Jadeja fell leg before the wicket to Harmer. Both times, he was guilty of playing with the bat behind the pad. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
SportsTemba Bavuma: South Africa's Iron Man with a giant heart, undefeated and unbroken, leads from the front at Eden Gardens for famous win
Temba Bavuma is calm, even soporific, a square silhouette of perfection. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
SportsPramod Bhagat and the art of not giving up: How former Paralympics champion shuttler bounced back from anti-doping ban
India's Pramod Bhagat poses with his three medals won at the Japan Para Badminton International 2025. (PHOTO: Pramod Bhagat via X)
TechnologySennheiser SoundProtex Plus review: The decibel-killer that helps you sleep better
Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus
TechnologyOver 45% Indian firms scale GenAI pilots, but AI spending remains below 20%: EY-CII report
A new US Defense Department initiative aims to speed up mathematics breakthroughs using artificial intelligence.
TechnologyIs Perplexity most at risk if AI bubble pops? Here's why a Silicon Valley crowd thinks so
Aravind Srinivas graduated in 2017 with dual degrees in Electrical Engineering (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Lifestyle‘Don’t ignore a lump or a mouth ulcer that won’t heal’: Oncologist explains early symptoms of India’s most common cancers
Oncologist on early cancer warning signs you must never overlook
Advertisement
Buzzing Now
TrendingAkon ‘harassed’ on stage in Bengaluru, viral video shows fans pulling singer’s pants during concert: ‘India has no respect for any artist’
Akon pants pulled during Bengaluru concert
TrendingMaharashtra man makes donkeys pull SUV in protest against dealership over ‘faulty car’; video goes viral
donkeys pull Mahindra Thar Roxx in Maharashtra
TrendingBihar man gets abused, slapped by Patna police in viral video, later gets threat calls: 'Delete it quickly or we will arrest you'
Bihar man gets abused, slapped by Patna police
Trending‘Perks of living in India’: Italian woman praises Bengaluru’s safety after finding helmet exactly where she left it
Italian woman praises Bengaluru safety
TrendingWho is Jack Doherty, the Florida YouTuber arrested in Miami beach on drug charges?
Jack Doherty arrested drugs
Advertisement