* Only three out of 90 officers in the budget implementation team are from SC/ST and OBC communities, said Rahul Gandhi

*  Revanth Reddy declares “This is not a rally, but a war to protect the Constitution”

metro india news  I hyderabad

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated the party's commitment to conducting a caste census in states where Congress comes to power after elections. He highlighted that work on the caste census is already underway in Telangana and Karnataka, emphasizing the need to address injustices faced by OBCs regarding reservations.

Speaking at the “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” rally organized by the AICC near Indore, Madhya Pradesh on Monday, Gandhi accused the BJP government of caste-based discrimination, citing that only three out of 90 officers in the budget implementation team are from SC/ST and OBC communities, who constitute 50% of the population.

He also criticized the BJP for excluding marginalized groups, including President Droupadi Murmu, an ST, from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration ceremony held on January 24, 2024.

He alleged that the BJP prioritizes the interests of corporates over farmers, laborers, and the underprivileged, while neglecting education and public institutions. Gandhi also criticized the Centre for burdening the public with GST and promoting anti-constitutional policies.

The Congress resolved to fight for the rights of OBCs, SC/STs, and economically weaker sections, asserting its commitment to upholding constitutional values and ensuring social justice for all. Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy delivered a powerful address at the “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” rally, emphasizing the gravity of the current political struggle.

“This is not an election rally; this is a war,” Reddy declared, underscoring the battle between those striving to protect the Constitution and those attempting to change it. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of systematically working to alter the Constitution since taking office and lauded Rahul Gandhi for recognizing this threat early and leading the fight to safeguard democratic values.

Drawing historical parallels, Reddy likened Modi’s actions to Ghajini Mohammed’s attempts to plunder India, asserting that these efforts would fail, just as Mahatma Gandhi had once freed India from colonial rule. Reddy passionately stated that Rahul Gandhi now stands in opposition to what he referred to as the “British Janata Party,” fighting to uphold the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and constitutional integrity.

He called for collective support, framing the conflict as a war between two ideologies: the Gandhi family and the Godse family. Reddy urged citizens to rally behind Rahul Gandhi and ensure a Congress-led government to protect the Constitution and the nation’s democratic fabric.