Nagpur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday took on the Sangh on its turf and waded into the quota controversy raging in Maharashtra by questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reluctance to conduct a caste-based census. “Why is the Prime Minister suddenly cagey about calling himself an OBC after our party raised the census issue? Now, he has blurred caste lines and prefers to bracket people in poor or underprivileged categories.Why this hypocrisy,” he asked to a thunderous applause from the packed crowd at the Azad Maidan here to mark the 139th foundation day of the grand old party.
Rahul was the sole Gandhi representative at the ‘Hai Taiyar Hum’ rally with mother Sonia and sister Priyanka giving the rally a miss at the last moment, citing health reasons.
Rahul was the sole Gandhi representative at the ‘Hai Taiyar Hum’ rally with mother Sonia and sister Priyanka giving the rally a miss at the last moment, citing health reasons.
Addressing a crowd running into tens of thousands, he reiterated Congress’ determination to conduct caste-based census, if voted to power while making a strong pitch for the OBC cause.
“There are 50% OBCs, 15% Scheduled Castes and 12% tribals, yet only three of the top 90 IAS officers are from the backward caste. Even they were given marginal postings. When we questioned this discrimination, the government had no answer and our MPs were suspended,” said Rahul, adding former Congress chief minister Ashok Chavan tried to take the quota limit beyond 50% in Maharashtra.
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Rahul pushes for caste census, takes OBC swipe at Modi
Rahul Gandhi questions PM Narendra Modi’s stance on calling himself an OBC after Congress raised the caste census issue in Maharashtra. He highlights the underrepresentation of backward castes in top IAS positions in the state. Rahul reiterates Congress’ commitment to a caste-based census and criticizes the RSS for allegedly pushing the country back to oppressive colonial times. He also discusses rising joblessness and accuses the BJP-led Centre of failing to create opportunities for the youth. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accuses the RSS of suppressing Dalits.
Rahul Gandhi questions PM Narendra Modi’s stance on calling himself an OBC after Congress raised the caste census issue in Maharashtra. He highlights the underrepresentation of backward castes in top IAS positions in the state. Rahul reiterates Congress’ commitment to a caste-based census and criticizes the RSS for allegedly pushing the country back to oppressive colonial times. He also discusses rising joblessness and accuses the BJP-led Centre of failing to create opportunities for the youth. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accuses the RSS of suppressing Dalits.
Rahul Gandhi raises caste census pitch again: Will it help Congress in 2024 Lok Sabha elections?
Rahul Gandhi reiterates Congress’ resolve to conduct caste census if voted to power in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. OBCs, Dalits, and tribals lack representation in many sectors, he says. Prime Minister Modi counters with focus on upliftment of the poor, youth, women, and farmers. Opposition demands nation-wide caste census after Bihar’s caste survey reveals 63% of population is Backward Classes. Caste balance becomes a key factor in BJP’s decisions for new state governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, possibly in response to Rahul Gandhi’s demand.
Rahul Gandhi reiterates Congress’ resolve to conduct caste census if voted to power in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. OBCs, Dalits, and tribals lack representation in many sectors, he says. Prime Minister Modi counters with focus on upliftment of the poor, youth, women, and farmers. Opposition demands nation-wide caste census after Bihar’s caste survey reveals 63% of population is Backward Classes. Caste balance becomes a key factor in BJP’s decisions for new state governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, possibly in response to Rahul Gandhi’s demand.
