Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, during his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Kanpur, accused the BJP-led Centre of failing to generate sufficient employment opportunities for Dalits and other backward classes, constituting "90 per cent of the population," according to news agency PTI.
Addressing a public gathering at the Ghantaghar intersection in the city, Gandhi questioned the employment prospects for backward classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities in what he referred to as Modi's 'Ram Rajya'.
"Fifty per cent of the population in the country belongs to backward classes, 15 per cent are Dalits, 8 per cent are tribals, and 15 per cent are minorities. Shout as much as you want, but you can't get employment in this country. If you belong to the backward, Dalit, tribal, or poor general category, then you cannot get a job. Narendra Modi does not want you people to get jobs," Gandhi asserted.
Highlighting the societal divide, Gandhi expressed concerns that the Dalits and backward classes lack representation in media, major industries, and the bureaucracy. He also drew attention to the alarming issue of hunger-related deaths in the country.
Referring to the recent Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Gandhi pointed out the absence of representation from backward classes, Dalits, and tribals. He alleged that even the tribal president, Droupadi Murmu, and Dalit former President, Ramnath Kovind, were not allowed inside.
Gandhi reiterated the demand for a caste census, emphasizing that such a survey is essential to gauge the well-being and economic status of backward communities in the country.
"We have said that the biggest revolutionary step for the progress of India is caste-wise census," he stated.
Further, Gandhi alleged that the majority of the country's wealth is concentrated in the hands of a mere two to three per cent of the population, referring to them as the "Maharajas of the new India," specifically naming Adani, Ambani, Tata, and Birla.
The Congress leader criticised the central government for various decisions, including the 2016 demonetisation, GST implementation, and the Agniveer scheme.
"Sometimes your papers get leaked, sometimes you are fired from the job, GST is imposed on you, demonetisation is imposed, your government recruitment is not done. The way for you to join the army has also been closed by them (Modi government) through Agniveer Yojna," he said.
During his journey between Sohramau and Unnao, Gandhi interacted with workers and waved to people along the roadside. The convoy made a brief stop near Akrampur during the journey from Unnao city to Shuklaganj, where Gandhi met with some workers.