New Delhi: Congress luminary Rahul Gandhi articulated on Wednesday that those who self-identify as “deshbhakt” are apprehensive of the ‘X-ray’ of caste census, yet no formidable obstacle can deter its arrival. Asserting that his life’s calling is to ensure equity for 90 percent of the populace, he countered the BJP amidst the controversy on the subject of wealth redistribution.
In his discourse at the ‘Samajik Nyay Sammelan’ here, Gandhi disclosed that the BJP and the Prime Minister had singled him out merely for discussing the extent of injustice inflicted upon 90 percent of the populace.
“My focus is not on caste, but on ‘nyay’ (justice). I posit that a grave injustice is being perpetrated against 90 percent of the populace. As of yet, I have not suggested taking any concrete measures in response to this,” expressed the Congress leader.
“I merely proposed an examination of the extent of injustice being meted out. There should be no opposition to this. If you sustain an injury and I recommend an X-ray, there should be no grounds for objection,” elucidated Gandhi.
The erstwhile Congress stalwart affirmed that it is his life’s purpose to secure justice for the 90 percent of the populace who have borne the brunt of injustice. “Upon assuming governance, the foremost action will be a caste census,” declared Gandhi.
Regarding the Rs 16 lakh crore funneled by Modi to select industrialists, the Congress intends to allocate a modest fraction back to 90 percent of the populace, he disclosed.
“We have meticulously calculated…what we deem as fair and necessary assistance, we have outlined in our manifesto,” Gandhi revealed of the party’s commitments delineated in the manifesto.
“Comprehend that this is not a matter of politics for me. This is my life’s calling,” he asserted, adding, “I assure you…no force can impede a caste census. The more it is hindered, the more forcefully it will resurge.”
He differentiated between a life’s calling and politics, remarking that one can compromise in politics but not in a life’s calling. He also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was rattled upon encountering the Congress’ “innovative manifesto” which delves into the ‘X-ray’ and the income disparity engendered by Modi.
The BJP has accused the Congress of intending to confiscate people’s assets and redistribute them if they ascend to power. On Wednesday, PM Modi and his party referenced Congress leader Sam Pitroda’s statements on inheritance tax to insinuate that the Congress seeks to legally deprive individuals of their assets and lifelong savings intended for their offspring.
The Congress has affirmed that its manifesto revolves around a socio-economic caste census, not about the “redistribution” of wealth. Taking a veiled swipe at the media for branding him a “non-serious” politician previously, Gandhi cited his involvement in the MGNREGA scheme, the Land Acquisition Bill, the Bhatta Parsaul movement, Niyamgiri Hills case, and opined that for the media, these matters were “non-serious” while discussions about Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, and Virat Kohli were deemed serious.
“Anyone who advocates for the 90 percent of the populace is labeled as non-serious,” remarked Gandhi at the event organized by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation. He observed that upon scrutinizing the stakeholders in the media industry, he found not a single OBC, Dalit, or tribal anchor.
“So the megaphone is not in your hands. There is an absence of representation in the media. Whose funds support the media? Governments allocate funds, which come through GST. This comprises the funds of the 90 percent,” he expounded, addressing the audience predominantly composed of Dalits, tribals, and backward organizations.
He noted a similar scenario in the judiciary, citing that out of 650 high court judges, only 100 hail from the 90 percent of the populace. Gandhi mentioned that in the top 200 firms of the country as well, there is no presence of Dalit, tribal, or OBC individuals.
“Narendra Modi has allocated Rs 16 lakh crore to 25 individuals from these firms. If you waive off farmers’ loans 25 times, that sum of money has been bestowed by the prime minister to 25 individuals,” he alleged.
“But observe the national media and Narendra Modi’s reaction as soon as I mentioned ‘X-ray’ and proposed an examination of the extent of injustice, they leaped to their feet and began asserting that attempts were being made to sow division in the country, to rupture it.
An X-ray will merely reveal participation and all patriots would welcome this, he contended. “What does a deshbhakt desire? A deshbhakt yearns for justice in the nation. A deshbhakt yearns for India to advance and become a superpower. So, if the aspiration is for India to surpass China and become a superpower, one must harness the potential of the 90 percent of the populace. Those who tout themselves as ‘deshbhakt’ are unnerved by the prospect of an X-Ray,” he remarked.
“For 10 years, Modi asserted he is an OBC but as soon as I broached the topic of a caste census, he retorted ‘there are no castes’. If there truly are no castes, how can you be an OBC?
“Then, you ought to have stated that I belong to no caste. He then posits there are only two castes: rich and poor…if that is the case, I say furnish the roster of the poor and you will find Dalit, adivasis, backwards,” Gandhi contended.
He alleged that the BJP aims to divert the attention of Dalits, OBCs, and tribals. “Their quandary lies in the fact that one can only divert attention for a finite duration, and that time has arrived when OBCs are questioning – ‘what is happening’. The Ram Mandir was constructed and we did not witness a single one of our (Dalits and tribals) persons. The Parliament building was inaugurated, yet we did not see any of our persons,” Gandhi deplored.
Referring to President Droupadi Murmu, he mentioned that it is the duty of the head of state to inaugurate Parliament, yet she was excluded from the ceremony.
Asserting that a caste census will bring clarity, Gandhi affirmed it is not merely a caste survey but an economic and institutional survey will also be appended to it. The nation will gain insight into the numbers of Dalits, adivasis, and economically disadvantaged general castes, along with their involvement in various sectors, he added.