Congress is against reservation, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party on Monday, accusing it of consistently opposing reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Speaking during an online interactive session with booth-level BJP workers in Jharkhand as part of the ‘Mera Booth Sabse Majboot‘ initiative, PM Modi cited an old advertisement from the Congress era to back his claims.
Referring to the advertisement, which he claimed was shared on social media, PM Modi expressed shock at its content. “Today, I came to know about an old Congress advertisement from the time of Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership. It depicted SCs, STs, and OBCs in a negative light, suggesting that giving reservations to these communities would harm the country’s progress,” Modi said, underlining his criticism of the party’s past stance on affirmative action.
The Prime Minister went on to allege that for decades, the Congress party actively suppressed voices advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. “From the time of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi, the so-called ‘royal family‘ of Congress was staunchly against reservations,” Modi asserted. He added that under Congress rule, from Panchayat to Parliament, the issue of reservations was not raised, implying that the party ignored the needs of disadvantaged communities.
Modi also suggested that Congress’ attitude towards reservations only changed when the SC, ST, and OBC communities united and began to assert their rights. “It was only when people began to understand the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the marginalized communities came together that Congress started losing its dominance,” he said. “Since then, they have not been able to form a full majority government at the Centre, and now, they are ruling only in a few states.”
The Prime Minister further claimed that Congress is now trying to divide the unity of these communities to regain power. “Today, Congress is limited to a few states, and their leadership is frustrated. Their agenda now is focused on breaking the collective power of SCs, STs, and OBCs,” Modi alleged.
He also criticized Congress’ promises as empty and deceptive, citing the example of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who he said had openly admitted that the party makes false guarantees just to win elections. “These family-driven parties are not only corrupt but also the biggest obstacles for talented youth who aspire to serve the country,” Modi remarked. He also equated the dynastic politics of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) with Congress, accusing them of clinging to power and prioritizing their own interests over those of the people.
PM Modi also turned his attention to the state of Jharkhand, urging BJP workers to work towards the state’s development. He criticized the ruling parties in Jharkhand for their alleged corruption, links to criminal elements, and poor governance. “The ruling parties in Jharkhand have destroyed the prospects of the state with their corruption, mafia connections, and misgovernance,” he said, adding, “It is up to BJP workers to free Jharkhand from these chains and work towards its development.”
Modi’s remarks come amid growing political competition in Jharkhand, where the BJP is positioning itself as a challenger to the state’s ruling alliance, which includes the JMM and Congress. His comments are also seen as part of a broader effort to appeal to marginalized communities, especially in the run-up to upcoming elections.
In his address, the Prime Minister underscored that the BJP’s focus remains on inclusive growth, empowerment, and ensuring that the benefits of reservations reach those who need them the most, while also emphasizing the party’s commitment to eradicating corruption and dynastic politics.
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