Rahul Gandhi Vows to Ensure Caste Census, Removal of 50% Reservation Cap at Jharkhand Rally
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, addressed a public rally in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, on Saturday, where he made bold statements regarding the future of caste-based reservations and the implementation of a caste census in India. Rahul Gandhi claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was actively trying to prevent the caste census, but assured the crowd that the Congress party and the INDIA alliance would ensure its execution, regardless of opposition.
Caste Census and Reservations: Key Issues for the INDIA Bloc
In a direct challenge to the ruling government, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of conducting a caste census, calling it a critical step towards understanding the demographic makeup of India, especially in relation to backward communities, Dalits, and tribals. He pointed out that while 50 per cent of the population in India belongs to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 15 per cent are Dalits, and 8 per cent are tribal, these groups remain significantly underrepresented in the nation’s decision-making processes.
“The biggest way to change this is through the caste census,” said Gandhi. He argued that the census would not only provide a clear count of marginalized communities but would also shed light on the distribution of the nation’s wealth and resources, which, according to him, has been unjustly concentrated among the few.
Rahul Gandhi further asserted that if the INDIA bloc were to retain power in Jharkhand, they would ensure substantial reforms to the reservation system. Specifically, he promised that the cap on reservations, which currently stands at 50 per cent, would be removed. Additionally, he proposed that the reservation quota for tribals would be increased to 28 per cent, while Dalits would receive 12 per cent and backward classes 27 per cent.
Protection of Tribal Rights and Economic Disparities
Accusing the BJP of gradually encroaching on tribal land and forest rights, Rahul Gandhi reiterated the INDIA alliance’s commitment to securing the “first rights” of tribal communities over water, land, and forests. He warned that under the current government, tribal people were being systematically stripped of their rights, leading to a growing sense of insecurity and disenfranchisement.
In a sharp critique of Prime Minister Modi, Rahul Gandhi stated that the Prime Minister had distanced himself from the poor, farmers, Dalits, backward classes, and tribals. He accused Modi of failing to engage with these groups and of only delivering speeches without taking any substantial action. “The truth is, the youth and women of this country are unhappy,” Gandhi declared, citing issues of unemployment among young people and the rising cost of living affecting women due to inflation. He also criticized the Goods and Services Tax (GST), claiming that the structure of the tax system was designed to extract money from the poor.
A Future with the INDIA Bloc
Despite the current political climate, Rahul Gandhi expressed confidence that the INDIA alliance would form the next government at the Centre, asserting that the bloc would prioritize the welfare of farmers, labourers, small traders, and the poor. He urged the people of Jharkhand to vote in large numbers for the INDIA bloc candidates, promising them a government that would work for the common people.
Rahul Gandhi also reaffirmed the Congress-led alliance’s seven key guarantees for the people of Jharkhand, promising that these would be implemented once the elections were concluded. These promises are aimed at addressing the state’s socio-economic challenges and improving the living conditions of its residents.
Jharkhand Elections: What’s at Stake
Polling in Jharkhand will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the results scheduled to be announced on November 23. With the caste census and reservation reform central to his rally speech, Rahul Gandhi is looking to rally support in a state where the issues of social justice and tribal rights hold considerable weight. His bold declarations and promises could have a significant impact on the electorate as the state heads to the polls.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the Jharkhand elections, all eyes will be on whether the INDIA alliance can carry the momentum from rallies like this and secure a victory in the upcoming polls.
