The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Kanpur): Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, during his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Kanpur, has accused the BJP-led Centre of neglecting the employment needs of Dalits and other backward classes, who he states make up about 90% of India’s population. He questioned the nature of the ‘Ram Rajya’ where these groups are unable to secure jobs.
Addressing a public meeting at the Ghantaghar intersection in Kanpur, Gandhi highlighted the demographic breakdown of the country, pointing out that backward classes constitute 50% of the population, Dalits 15%, tribals 8%, and minorities another 15%. He alleged that people from these groups, including the poor from the general category, are systematically denied job opportunities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance.
Gandhi criticized the class and caste divide in India, asserting that Dalits and backward classes lack representation in the media, big industries, and bureaucracy. He also raised concerns about people dying of hunger in the country.
Referring to a recent Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Gandhi alleged that representatives from backward classes, Dalits, and tribals were notably absent. He pointed out that even the tribal President Droupadi Murmu and Dalit former President Ramnath Kovind were not invited or allowed inside.
Emphasizing the need for a caste census, Gandhi argued that it is essential to understand the well-being of backward classes in India and to assess their financial status. He claimed that a caste-wise census would be a revolutionary step for India’s progress.
Additionally, Gandhi accused a small percentage of the population, naming prominent business figures like Adani, Ambani, Tata, and Birla, of holding the majority of the country’s wealth and exerting significant control.
He also criticized several of the central government’s key decisions, including the 2016 demonetisation, the implementation of GST, and the Agniveer scheme, suggesting that these policies have adversely impacted common people, including job and army recruitment processes.
Gandhi’s remarks in Kanpur reflect his and his party’s ongoing critique of the current government’s handling of caste and employment issues, highlighting a need for more inclusive and equitable job opportunities for all segments of Indian society.