Addressing a series of rallies in Rajasthan ahead of the November 25 assembly elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the demand for a caste-based census. Gandhi questioned why Modi, who identifies as OBC (Other Backward Class), refers to himself by caste when he claims there is no caste in the country.
“I raised the question of caste census. Asked PM Modi – You call yourself OBC, tell me how many OBCs are there in this country? Modi ji’s reply came – There is only one caste in the country, the poor. If there is no caste in the country, then why does Narendra Modi call himself OBC?” said Gandhi during his campaign in Rajasthan’s Sadulshahar.
Highlighting the need for a caste-based census, Gandhi emphasized the lack of accurate data on the population of backward communities in India. He stated that the uncertainty surrounding the exact number of OBCs in the country necessitates a comprehensive census.
“In India, how many OBCs are there? No one knows exactly how many backward people are there in India. Some say 50, some say 52, some 55… No one knows exactly,” remarked Gandhi.
Taking aim at Modi’s unfulfilled promises, Gandhi reminded the audience of the unmet commitment to deposit Rs 15 lakh into citizens’ bank accounts. He accused the Prime Minister of prioritizing loan waivers for wealthy individuals over fulfilling the promised amount.
“We continue working while they engage in empty bombastic talk. Narendra Modi had promised to give Rs 15 lakh in your bank accounts. You didn’t get it right? You’ll never receive it,” said Gandhi, highlighting the alleged disparity in the allocation of financial benefits.
As Rajasthan gears up for the assembly polls on November 25, with vote counting scheduled for December 3, the political landscape becomes increasingly charged. In the 2018 elections, the Congress secured 99 seats, while the BJP won 73 in the 200-member House. The state had witnessed the BJP winning 163 seats in the 2013 Legislative Assembly elections.
