Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed today that the INDIA bloc intends to dismantle the 50% reservation cap and extend reservation benefits to marginalized groups through a caste census in Jharkhand, should the alliance come to power.
Speaking at a press conference in Ranchi on Monday, Rahul emphasized the ideological battle at the heart of the opposition’s efforts. “The INDIA alliance is committed to protecting the Constitution and ensuring governance for the underprivileged. On the other side, there are forces working to undermine Ambedkar ji’s Constitution,” he stated.
Rahul reiterated his stance on conducting a caste census, saying, “The Congress Party and INDIA alliance will conduct a caste census to identify the proportion of backward classes, Dalits, and Adivasis in the country and ensure their fair participation.”
He also criticized the reservation ceiling, adding, “The 50% reservation limit is a hurdle we intend to overcome. The Prime Minister falsely accuses me of opposing reservation. This is not true. I advocate increasing reservation beyond the 50% threshold.”
He further outlined the alliance’s plans for reservation in Jharkhand, pledging, “We will raise the reservation for Scheduled Tribes from 26% to 28%, for Scheduled Castes from 10% to 12%, and for Other Backward Classes from 14% to 27%. However, BJP forces are obstructing these efforts.”
Accusing Prime Minister Modi of favouring corporate interests, Rahul stated, “Modi ji wants to hand over Jharkhand’s resources—its forests, water, and land—to a few billionaires. We aim to govern for the poor, not for billionaires. The next Jharkhand government will provide Rs. 2,500 monthly to every woman’s bank account and ensure 7 kg of ration for every individual.”
He also promised measures to reduce household burdens, including, “We will bring down the cost of gas cylinders, which Modi’s government raised to Rs. 450. Private healthcare expenses of up to Rs. 15 lakh will be covered by the state.”
Further, he announced initiatives to boost agriculture and employment. “The MSP for paddy will be increased to Rs. 3,200 per quintal, and we will create 10 lakh jobs in five years. Industrial parks spanning 500 acres will be established in each district, along with degree colleges in every block and professional colleges in every district.”
Rahul concluded by emphasizing the alliance’s commitment to farmers, labourers, and the Constitution. “This is a fight for the youth and the marginalized. Congress is defending the Constitution, while the BJP and RSS seek to dismantle it. Congress will never allow that. The BJP government is withholding Rs. 1.36 lakh crore—money that rightfully belongs to the people, not Narendra Modi,” he asserted.
