New Delhi: In a robust rebuttal to Congress over its stance on the OBC issue, BJP President J.P. Nadda on Tuesday questioned the opposition party’s record on representation and policy during its tenure. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on the Union Budget, Nadda challenged Congress to account for the number of OBC, SC, and ST members within the National Advisory Committee and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation during the UPA regime.
Nadda criticized the Congress for allegedly opposing reservations and the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations on MSP (Minimum Support Price) hikes while in power. He accused Congress leaders of now feigning support for OBCs and farmers, terming their stance as “crocodile tears.”
Referencing former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s disparaging remarks about the Mandal Commission report, Nadda questioned Congress’s commitment to backward classes. “What Rajiv Gandhi said about the Mandal Commission report was ‘One Man’s Obstinacy’,” Nadda said, urging Congress to reflect on its past actions.
The BJP chief also addressed the Congress demand for a caste census, pointing out that Rahul Gandhi had highlighted a lack of representation in a photo related to the budget process. Nadda countered by highlighting the representation of OBC and SC/ST members in the Modi administration’s cabinets compared to previous regimes.
On the Agniveer scheme, Nadda criticized Congress for politicizing the issue, asserting that the decision followed extensive consultations. He contrasted the NDA government’s implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme with the previous UPA government’s interim allocation of funds.
Additionally, Nadda responded to Congress critiques of the Swaminathan Commission’s MSP recommendations, noting that the Modi government had accepted the recommendation for a 50 percent margin on production costs. He also pointed out that significant reforms, including those in education, were enacted under the current administration.
Describing the Union Budget 2024-25 as “forward-looking,” Nadda emphasized that it represents a budget of continuity that aims to provide economic stability and inclusive development.
