Ranchi: Addressing his maiden rally in Santhal Pargana for the second phase of assembly polls in Jharkhand on November 20, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led govt and the BJP, accusing them of attempting to “kill” the Constitution. He said that the Congress is fighting to protect the country and its people, pledging to conduct a caste census in Jharkhand soon after the INDIA bloc govt returns to office.
Cautioning people against the BJP and RSS, he accused them of undermining constitutional norms and questioned Modi on why they often speak along caste and communal lines to divide the nation.
Addressing a massive rally in Mehrama, in the Mahagama constituency, situated in the tribal stronghold of Santhal Parganas, Rahul said, “I want to tell you that the BJP and RSS don’t believe in the Constitution and its virtues. This isn’t just a red-colored book; it contains the values of Bhimrao Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Birsa Munda, and other ‘mahapurush’ (wise people) of this nation. They spoke of uniting the country and its people, but Modiji, BJP, and RSS do just the opposite. According to the Constitution, this country is for everyone…not just for Modiji’s capitalist friends.”
Posing questions to the PM and his party, Rahul added, “They won’t talk about jobs, widespread unemployment, farmers’ unrest, or the plight of Dalits, OBCs, tribals, and other underprivileged communities. Their only agenda is to create divisions among communities, castes, and religions because it’s convenient for them to keep people distracted while they work for their billionaire friends like Adani and Ambani.”
He emphasised that the Congress stands for the opposite values. “Our fight is to save the country’s soul… this Constitution, which advocates equality, dignity, and brotherhood. But Modiji has never read the Constitution. The BJP and RSS thrive on keeping the people of this country fighting among themselves. But we don’t fear Modiji or the RSS,” he said.
Criticising demonetisation and GST, he said, “It destroyed small businesses, leading to joblessness and paving the way for Adani and Ambani. Similarly, through GST, they take your money to benefit Modiji’s capitalist friends.”
Providing an example, he said, “In Maharashtra, there is a place called Dharavi in Mumbai, where the land is worth Rs 1 lakh crore. The current Maharashtra govt plans to hand it over to Adani. When our govt was in power, this couldn’t happen. But the BJP, along with their capitalist friends, toppled our govt by buying MLAs. In Jharkhand too, they tried the same by targeting a tribal CM, Hemant Soren, whom you elected. But they failed.”
He promised to conduct a caste census in the state once the INDIA bloc returns to office and remove the 50% ceiling on reservations. “We are committed to conducting a caste census in Jharkhand, as it will be a game changer for the country, providing a true understanding of its realities. While Modiji will never do it, we will. We will also abolish the 50% ceiling on reservations to ensure people get their rightful representation. Additionally, we will increase OBC, ST, and SC reservations, which the BJP govt has curtailed in the past. In Jharkhand, the BJP reduced OBC reservation from 27% to 14%, which we will restore. Similarly, ST reservation will be increased from 26% to 28%, and SC reservation from 10% to 12%,” he said, while listing other promises from the INDIA bloc’s poll manifesto.
Courtesy : TOI
Note: This news is originally published in timesofindia.com and was used solely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Rights
Trending Now
