Patna: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday promised to ensure the implementation of a nationwide caste-based census, saying it was essential to understand the country’s socio-economic fabric and address systemic inequities. Addressing members of civil society at the ‘Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan’ at Bapu Sabhagar here, Gandhi also questioned the legitimacy of the recently concluded caste-based survey in Bihar, labelling it a “fake exercise” designed to mislead the public.
“Backward classes, dalits, adivasis and minorities make up nearly 90% of the population, yet their representation in decision-making bodies is a mere 6-7%. This disparity can only be addressed through a proper caste census, which will act as an x-ray and MRI to diagnose and fix the system,” he said. Gandhi assured the audience that he would push for this initiative “by hook or by crook”, even challenging the existing 50% reservation cap in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
In a separate gathering of Congress workers at Sadaquat Ashram, Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the NDA govt in Bihar, accusing it of turning the state into a “labour factory” and making it infamous for paper leaks. “Bihar has the potential to lead revolutionary change in India. However, under the NDA, it has been reduced to exploitation of its workforce while the BJP transfers wealth to its millionaire allies,” he said. Gandhi urged Congress workers, whom he called “Babar Sher”, to gear up for the political battle ahead and fight for the rights of farmers, youth, the poor and minorities in Bihar.
In his civil society address, Gandhi said caste-based representation would correct entrenched disparities across sectors such as bureaucracy, private industry, media and politics. He alleged that real power still resides with the RSS and a few corporate giants, despite the apparent representation of backward classes and minorities. “Even BJP MPs from EBC or Dalit communities tell me they feel caged,” he said. Holding up a copy of the Constitution, he declared his mission to ensure its values reach every corner of the country.
Criticising RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Gandhi said his remarks on India’s independence and the Ram temple consecration revealed the RSS’s intent to undermine the Constitution. “Bhagwat’s statement implies India did not truly gain independence when the Constitution was framed. The BJP and RSS are working to dismantle the very foundation of our democracy,” Gandhi alleged.
He also raised concerns about discrepancies in voter rolls, pointing to Maharashtra as an example where voter numbers suspiciously surged by a crore between elections. “Despite repeated requests, the Election Commission has refused to provide transparency. Bihar, a state known for sparking revolutionary movements, must prepare to lead the next wave of change,” he said.
Throughout his speeches, Gandhi underscored the ideological divide between the Congress and the BJP-RSS. “This is a battle between love and hate, unity and disunity. We stand firmly against their agenda of hatred and violence,” he said.
Wrapping up his visit, Gandhi inaugurated the newly constructed Indira Bhawan, a dedicated facility for Congress workers in Bihar, where he was welcomed with a garland of fox nuts, a symbol of the state. Reaffirming his commitment to Bihar and its people, Gandhi said, “This is just the beginning. Together, we will bring transformative change to the nation.”
Courtesy : TOI
Note: This news is originally published on timesofindia.com and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially for human rights.
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