Congress Pressure, Public Demand Forced Modi Govt for Caste Survey: Kharge
2 May 2025 4:51 PM IST
He criticised BJP leaders who had earlier mocked the demand.
Mallikarjun Kharge
Hubballi: AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that it was pressure from the Congress and public demand that forced the Modi government to finally agree to conduct a caste-survey along with the general census— a demand some BJP leaders had earlier dismissed as divisive. He warned that the government must begin the process within three months, or it would be clear that the move was only for show.
Addressing the ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ rally in Hubballi, Kharge said, “When Rahul Gandhi and I demanded a caste survey two years ago, the Modi government ignored us. I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister on April 16, 2023, explaining how such a move would help understand the social, economic, and educational conditions of Backward Class and marginalised groups. Now, due to pressure from Congress rallies and public mobilisation, the government has accepted it."
He criticised BJP leaders who had earlier mocked the demand, stating, “One of their ministers — I won’t name him, not because I am scared — said Rahul Gandhi was talking nonsense. But now their own government is doing the same thing. Back then, they said a caste census would divide society. What changed? Pressure changed it.”
Kharge demanded that the process be initiated within three months. “If they do not act soon, it will be clear that they are not serious, and are only doing it to save face.”
Accusing the Modi government of systematically weakening the Constitution, Kharge said dissenters are being silenced and institutions misused. “People who support the Congress or speak up are targeted using ED, IT, and CVC. Today we have freedom of speech because of the Constitution. Modi government is trying to strangle that freedom,” he said.
He called on people to resist these efforts, stating that giving up constitutional rights was equivalent to giving up personal strength. “To strengthen the Constitution is to strengthen yourselves. Rahul Gandhi and all of us are working towards unity and justice.”
Kharge also condemned the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing shock at how it occurred despite three layers of security. He attacked Modi for skipping the all-party meeting on the issue. “He was busy campaigning and giving speeches in English and Hindi. What should we tell when he doesn’t show up for critical meetings? Provide security first, speeches can wait.”
He also criticised a Union minister’s remark.
“A union minister said that if people were patriotic, such attacks would not happen. That is a shameful statement. Does it mean only BJP people are patriotic and all other are anti nationals? Should we learn patriotism from BJP? When Congress was fighting the British, they were helping them. Gandhiji was assassinated by Godse. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi gave their lives for this country. What sacrifice has the BJP made?” he asked.
On economic inequality, Kharge pointed out that 10 percent of Indians now hold 72 percent of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 50 percent have only 3 percent. “The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer under this government,” he said.
He urged Congress workers to shed internal differences and fight unitedly to protect the Constitution and challenge the BJP-led government in the upcoming elections.
Kharge further stressed the need to remove the 50 percent cap on reservations and introduce quotas in the private sector. “Tamil Nadu has increased reservation to 67-68 percent. Karnataka is also ready—the Chief Minister and ministers have expressed willingness. But the Centre is creating hurdles,” he alleged and demanded the Center to allow this.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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