Washington DC, September 10 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during his visit to Georgetown University, emphasized that reservation policies in India will remain in place until the country becomes a “fair place,” which he believes it is not. Addressing students and faculty, Gandhi reiterated his stance on the necessity of reservations and the need for a caste census.
Gandhi highlighted the significant underrepresentation of OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis in India’s institutions and businesses, calling it the “elephant in the room.” He pointed out the severe financial disparity where tribals, Dalits, and OBCs receive a disproportionately small share of resources. “When we talk about the capture of institutions, businesses, and media, the elephant in the room is that 90% of India—OBCs, Dalits, Adivasis—aren’t even part of the game,” Gandhi said.
He advocated for conducting a caste census to assess the participation and representation of these communities. Gandhi also emphasized the importance of socio-economic and institutional surveys to understand and address the lack of representation in key sectors such as business, media, and judiciary.
“We want to understand the socio-economic position of these castes and examine India’s institutions—media, healthcare, education—to ensure they are inclusive,” he added. Gandhi criticized the lack of participation from backward communities in influential sectors, stating that out of the top ten businesses and highest courts in India, there is minimal representation from these communities.
On the topic of reservations, Gandhi maintained that they will remain necessary until there is equitable participation across all sectors. He noted that while some may question the need for reservations, they are essential in addressing ongoing disparities. “India is not a fair place. We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place,” he asserted.
Gandhi also addressed the INDIA alliance’s stance on defending the Constitution and holding a caste census. He responded to criticism from the BJP regarding the alliance’s name, emphasizing that it is a unified effort to challenge the current government’s policies. He criticized the BJP’s framing of the alliance as “INDI alliance,” stressing its true intent to address issues facing India.
In addition to his comments on reservations and caste census, Gandhi criticized the NDA-led government’s economic policies, including GST, which he labeled as “anti-production.” He highlighted the rising social tension and unemployment in India and criticized the waiver of bank loans to large businesses, questioning the lack of support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Rahul Gandhi, currently on a visit to the United States, has been addressing various issues related to Indian politics and economics, engaging with the Indian diaspora, and interacting with students and faculty across different universities.
Published – September 10, 2024
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