 |
|
The political landscape in India continues to be marked by heated exchanges between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC). This latest round of verbal sparring was sparked by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's comments on the reservation system during his recent tour of the United States, where he delivered a series of critical speeches about the Modi government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded with a scathing attack, accusing Gandhi of undermining national security and aligning with forces seeking to divide India.
Gandhi's remarks, made during an interaction with students at Georgetown University, were focused on the existing reservation system and the absence of a caste census in India. He argued that the reservation system, designed to provide opportunities for historically marginalized communities, should be reevaluated once India becomes a ‘fair society.’ He further highlighted the unequal distribution of resources, pointing out that tribal communities receive only 10 paise out of every ₹100, while Dalits receive ₹5, and OBCs fare similarly. Gandhi emphasized the need for a caste census, arguing that the lack of representation for OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis, who constitute 90% of the population, is a critical issue that needs to be addressed.
Shah, in response, utilized Twitter to launch a sharp critique of Gandhi's remarks. He asserted that Gandhi's comments, particularly his support for the JKNC's (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference) stance on reservation in Jammu and Kashmir, and his criticism of India on foreign soil, constituted a threat to national security and hurt the sentiments of the Indian people. Shah also accused Gandhi of exposing the Congress party's strategy of creating divisions based on regionalism, religion, and language. He further claimed that Gandhi's remarks reflected his true anti-reservation agenda and a desire to undermine the nation's security. Shah unequivocally declared that, as long as the BJP remains in power, the reservation system will remain intact and national security will be safeguarded.