It will not take more than two hours to conduct a caste census if the Congress party comes to power following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi reportedly said in Chhattisgarh on Saturday. The state will also witness a caste census if his party returns to power, the Congress leader said while addressing a public rally in Bastar region of the election-bound state.
Rahul Gandhi pointed out that of the 90 IAS officers who are posted as secretaries to the central government, only three were from Other Backward Communities (OBCs). "These 90 officials run the government and not the Members of Parliament from Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha. They decide the budget. In them just three are from the OBC i.e., they decided only 5% of the budget. So does it mean OBC population is just 5% in India? I believe the OBC population is 50-55% in India. But Modi ji does not want the OBC youth to know this reality. OBC youth need to be aware, you are being robbed," Rahul Gandi was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
"Today I promise every OBC youth that a caste census will be done within two hours of our party coming to power in India. If we win in Chhattisgarh, we will do a caste census here," he reportedly added.
He also attacked the BJP over the issue. "Narendra Modi ji uses OBC' word in his every speech but why he is scared of the caste censusOBCs have to become aware as they are being ditched," the former Congress president said.
Other promises
1. 'KG to PG' scheme: If Congress retains power absolute free education to students from KG (kindergarten) to PG (post-graduation).
2. Rajiv Gandhi Protsahan Yojana: Annual financial assistance of Rs 4,000 to tendu leaves collectors.
Key promises made by the Congress ahead of the last assembly polls have been fulfilled in Chhattisgarh, he claimed.
Objecting to the use of vanvasi' in place of Adivasi' for tribals, he said its use by the BJP is an insult to Adivasis and an attack on their culture, history and language.
During his speech, Gandhi stopped briefly and walked to the other corner of the stage carrying a bottle of water apparently after someone fainted on the ground. Gandhi returned to the dais and asked if the person was alright.
