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Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, has vehemently called for the removal of the existing 50% cap on reservations in India, arguing that this is essential to safeguard the Constitution. Speaking at the 'Samvidhan Samman Sammelan' in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Gandhi declared his unwavering commitment to this cause and emphasized the importance of protecting the principles enshrined in the Constitution. This stance was further reinforced by his promise that the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, will strive to pass legislation to achieve this objective in Parliament. He symbolically held a copy of the Constitution during his speech, asserting its significance as a representation of the ideals championed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered historical figure in Maharashtra.
Gandhi's address was marked by sharp criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leadership. He accused the BJP-led government of actively undermining the Constitution and weakening democratic institutions, all while hypocritically invoking the name of Shivaji Maharaj. He directly addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, stating that there is no point in paying lip service to Shivaji Maharaj's legacy while simultaneously eroding the very foundation of the nation's governance. Gandhi's visit to western Maharashtra, his second in a month, highlighted the Congress's ongoing efforts to mobilize public support and solidify its position as a formidable challenger to the BJP.
Gandhi's speech delved into the contentious issue of caste-based census, a demand that has been a central plank of the Congress's political strategy. He reiterated the party's and the INDIA bloc's commitment to introducing such a census, arguing that it would provide a comprehensive picture of the population composition and the economic realities of different communities. He asserted that a caste-based census would not only reveal the population size of various castes but also shed light on their control over India's financial system. He cited the example of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), pointing out that despite the OBC community comprising over 50% of the population, only a meager three OBC officers are among the top 90 IAS officials who control India's budget.
The Congress leader further intensified his attack on the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of opposing the caste census out of fear of the truth it would expose about social inequalities. He also alleged that the history of marginalized communities, such as Dalits and OBCs, is being systematically erased from school curricula, further exacerbating the existing power imbalances. Gandhi's criticism extended to the government's Agniveer scheme, a controversial military recruitment scheme that has been met with widespread opposition. He labeled the scheme as an attempt to deprive Indian youth of traditional benefits and security, such as pensions and compensation, that are customarily provided to military personnel. He claimed that the Agnipath scheme has effectively stripped 90% of Indian youth of these essential benefits, undermining the respect and dignity associated with military service.
Gandhi's public engagements in Kolhapur also included the unveiling of a statue of Shivaji Maharaj. He used this occasion to criticize the state government for the collapse of another statue of the warrior king in Sindhudurg district last year. He interpreted this incident as a symbol of the government's flawed intentions and ideology, further reinforcing his argument that the current ruling party's actions are incompatible with the principles of good governance and respect for historical figures. In conclusion, Gandhi's speeches in Kolhapur showcased his unwavering commitment to protecting the Constitution, advocating for social justice, and opposing the BJP's policies. He drew parallels between the ideology that opposed Shivaji's coronation centuries ago and the BJP's current actions, emphasizing the need for unity and upholding the ideals of equality and justice enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Source: ‘Removal of 50% quota cap necessary to protect the constitution’: Rahul Gandhi in Kolhapur