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The political arena in India has witnessed a heated exchange between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, centering around the sensitive issue of reservations and the Gandhi family's alleged historical opposition to it. During a campaign rally in Haryana, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Gandhi family, accusing them of consistently undermining the reservation system and denigrating OBCs, Dalits, and Tribals.
Modi asserted that India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had expressed concerns about the quality of government services deteriorating with the introduction of reservations. He also claimed that Nehru wrote a letter to state Chief Ministers opposing reservations, and that Indira Gandhi had put a stay on OBC reservations during her tenure. Modi further accused Rajiv Gandhi of labeling beneficiaries of reservations as 'Buddhu' (foolish) in an interview.
These accusations by Modi stem from Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks on reservations during a visit to the United States. While speaking at Georgetown University, Gandhi advocated for a caste census to better understand the socio-economic conditions of lower castes in India. He acknowledged that reservations are not the sole solution to address these disparities but emphasized the need for comprehensive policies, including reservations, to ensure fairness and justice.
Gandhi's statements sparked controversy, with the BSP leader Mayawati criticizing the Congress party's past actions on behalf of lower castes. The BJP seized the opportunity to portray Gandhi's remarks as evidence of the Congress's inherent opposition to reservations. However, Gandhi subsequently clarified that he is not against reservations and intends to expand their scope beyond the current 50% limit. He emphasized that his focus lies in addressing participation disparities through a range of measures, including reservations.
The exchange between Modi and Gandhi highlights the complexities of the reservation system in India and its significance in the political landscape. The debate surrounding reservations touches upon the historical injustices faced by marginalized communities and the ongoing efforts to achieve social and economic equality. With the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, this issue is likely to remain a key point of contention between the BJP and the Congress.
Source: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over Caste Message In US: ‘Insulted Tribals, OBCs…’