Rahul Gandhi's Pledge: Nationwide Caste Census and End to 50% Reservation Cap Under INDIA Bloc Rule

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has made significant promises during a public rally in Jharkhand, declaring that if the INDIA bloc secures victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, a nationwide caste census will be conducted, and the 50% cap on reservations will be eliminated.

Speaking at the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Ranchi, Gandhi asserted that Dalits, tribals, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have been treated as "bonded laborers" and have been inadequately represented in major institutions such as companies, hospitals, schools, colleges, and courts.

Gandhi emphasized the need for a comprehensive caste census and vowed to remove the existing 50% cap on reservations if the INDIA government assumed power. He stated, "If the INDIA bloc comes to power, it will throw away the 50% cap on the reservation, ensuring Dalits, tribals, and OBCs get their rights."

आप प्राइवेट अस्पतालों, विश्वविद्यालयों, कॉलेजों के मैनेजमेंट की लिस्ट निकालिए, उसमें आपको दलित और पिछड़ा वर्ग नहीं मिलेगा।

वहीं आप कांट्रैक्ट पर काम करने वालों की लिस्ट निकालेंगे तो आपको दलित, आदिवासी और पिछड़े वर्ग के लोग मिलेंगे।

यानी इन लोगों को बंधुआ मजदूर बनाया जा रहा है।… pic.twitter.com/cQwTFxSyc8 — Congress (@INCIndia) February 5, 2024

He further guaranteed that there would be no reduction in the reservation for Dalits and Adivasis, addressing the issue of social and economic injustice.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi accused him of opposing the idea of a caste census. He highlighted Modi's conflicting statements, alleging that when it came time to grant rights to OBCs, Dalits, and tribals, Modi claimed there were no castes, but during election campaigns, he identified as an OBC.

In addition to addressing social justice concerns, Gandhi criticized the Modi-led government for allegedly undermining Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). He claimed that PSUs were gradually being handed over to the Adani Group led by Gautam Adani. According to Gandhi, the government's intent is to privatize entities like the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) and replace its name with an Adani nameplate.

Gandhi pledged to protect the PSUs and prevent Adani's association with HEC, stating, "This is the country's capital, not the capital of any industrialist. This free gift will not be given to Adani."

मैं BJP से कहना चाहता हूं- जो करना है, कर लो।

हम HEC (Heavy Engineering Corporation) पर अडानी का नाम नहीं लगने देंगे।

ये देश की पूंजी है, ये किसी उद्योगपति की पूंजी नहीं है। ये फ्री का गिफ्ट अडानी को नहीं मिलेगा।

: @RahulGandhi जी

???? झारखंड pic.twitter.com/6Uo68qtMSo — Congress (@INCIndia) February 5, 2024