PM Modi Announced Caste Census 'Out of Fear' Of Marginalised Communities, Says Rahul Gandhi

Gandhi made the remarks while interacting with students in Darbhanga, Bihar, a state headed for polls, after the local administration allegedly tried to prevent him from accessing the original venue.

File photo of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Source : वीडियो ग्रैब

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of conducting a caste census “out of fear” of the country’s marginalised communities, asserting that the opposition is united in defending the rights of these disadvantaged groups.

Gandhi made the remarks while interacting with students in Darbhanga, Bihar, a state headed for polls, after the local administration allegedly tried to prevent him from accessing the original venue. He also launched 'Shiksha Nyay Samvad', a public interaction programme.

“We told Modi you shall touch the Constitution with your head and he ended up doing so. We had also told him you will have to hold a caste census. On both occasions, Modi acceded to the demands out of fear of a backlash from you people,” Gandhi claimed, news agency PTI reported.

“But the fact remains that his government serves the interests of Ambani, Adani and their ilk. The system is working for the benefit of five per cent of the population. Dalits, OBCs and tribals have no say, be it in the government, the corporate world or even the media,” he alleged.

Rahul Gandhi From Dr Ambedkar Welfare Hostel In Bihar

Previously, Congress workers lashed out at the decision of the district public relations officer (DPRO) for shifting the event of Rahul Gandhi from Dr Ambedkar Welfare Hostel to Nagar Bhawan, near the municipal corporation office.

“As you all are aware, my car was stopped at the gate (of Mithila University). But I did not relent. I got out and took a circuitous route to reach here on foot,” Rahul Gandhi said.

“Do you realise why the government in Bihar could not stop me? It was because I am propelled by the vast pool of energy that you embody. It is the same energy before which Narendra Modi had to bow,” Gandhi further added.

The Rae Bareli MP encouraged youth to stay committed to three key demands: an “effective” caste census similar to the one carried out in Congress-ruled Telangana, reservation in private educational institutions, and the disbursement of funds under the SC/ST sub-plan.

“You can expect little from the NDA. But rest assured that your interests will be taken care of when we come to power, be it in Bihar or at the Centre,” Gandhi further added.

Meanwhile, District Magistrate Rajiv Raushan said that holding the event at the hostel was not permitted due to legal and security-related issues. He added that Nagar Bhawan was allocated after an application was submitted by former Congress minister Madan Mohan Jha, pledging to book the Town Hall.