Rahul Gandhi, addressing a poll rally in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, declared that the Congress intends to eliminate the 50 per cent cap on caste-based reservation mandated by the Supreme Court. He pledged to enhance reservation benefits for individuals from Dalit, backward, and tribal communities.
Highlighting the significance of the ongoing election, Gandhi emphasized its role in safeguarding the Constitution. He accused the BJP and RSS of seeking to undermine the Constitution's principles and rights granted to citizens, particularly regarding water, forests, and land.
Asserting the Congress' commitment to preserving these constitutional rights, Gandhi stated, "We will increase reservation beyond the 50 per cent cap. We will give as much reservation as needed for the poor, the backwards, Dalits, and adivasis."
Gandhi's statement comes amid heightened debates on reservation between the NDA and the INDIA bloc. While the BJP alleges the Congress of planning to manipulate reservation for political gains, the Congress denies such allegations.
Responding to accusations made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi challenged the BJP to commit to refraining from misusing reservation based on religion or tampering with the Constitution.
During the rally, Gandhi also criticized the media for allegedly ignoring atrocities against Adivasis and highlighted the underrepresentation of marginalized communities in bureaucratic and corporate sectors. He pledged to address these disparities through initiatives such as a caste census and an economic survey.
Furthermore, Gandhi assured farmers of relief measures, including assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) and loan waivers, promising transformative changes in their lives.
Ratlam is scheduled to vote on May 13 in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election. The Congress has nominated former MP and Union Minister Kantilal Bhuria, while Anita Nagar Singh Chauhan is the BJP's candidate for the seat won by them in the 2019 election.