Narendra Modi government failed to empower OBCs, Dalits: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders criticize Modi government for lack of representation of OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis in India. Vow to conduct caste census if INDIA alliance comes to power.

Launching a broadside against the Narendra Modi government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday censured the Centre on the alleged lack of representation of other backward classes (OBCs), Dalits and Adivasis across many sectors, while accusing the BJP of taking India back to pre-Independence days where princely states colluded with their British masters.

Addressing the ‘Hain Taiyyar Hum’ (we are ready) rally in Nagpur on the occasion of the Congress’ 139th Foundation Day, Mr. Gandhi reiterated that a caste census would be conducted if the Opposition INDIA alliance came to power after the 2024 general election.

“OBCs constitute 50% of the population. Show me how many OBC, Dalits, Adivasis work in top companies in India today? Of the 90 IAS officers stationed at the Centre, there are just three OBC officers who have been given small departments. Dalits constitute 15% and Adivasis 12%. Still, they continue to be underrepresented in the BJP regime. On what basis is the Modi government claiming that it is working for OBCs, Dalits, tribals? Why are they not part of the power sharing process?” asked the Congress MP.

While the Nagpur rally sounded the poll bugle for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, and saw the attendance of top Congress brass across Maharashtra and the country, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Vadra were absent on the occasion.

Remarking that an “ideological battle was currently on in country”, Mr. Gandhi claimed that the BJP was a party of slaves and resembled the princely rulers who had colluded with the British Raj in the past. He further alleged that every institution in the country — be it the media, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate — was being controlled by the ruling party.

“Some days ago a BJP MP, who used to be in the Congress, met me during the Parliament session. He met me in secret…I noticed the tension on his face. He confided to me that while he was in the BJP, his heart was still with the Congress. He said no one listened to them. Orders come from above [BJP brass] and everyone had to obey them. There is no choice for anyone in the BJP. It is a party of slaves,” said Mr. Gandhi, remarking that the BJP’s ideology was like the kings of yore who demanded unconditional obedience and did not listen to anybody.

Contrasting the BJP’s alleged working style with that of the Congress, Mr. Gandhi claimed that in his party, the voice came from below.