Rahul admits past neglect of OBC concerns, calls for inclusive representation
Addressing the Congress OBC Leaderhip-Bhagidari Nyay Mahasammelan here Rahul Gandhi acknowledged both his achievements and shortcomings, particularly in addressing the concerns of the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community.
Speaking at the event, Gandhi listed several key initiatives he believed he had done well in, including the Land Acquisition Bill, MGNREGA, the Right to Food Act, the Tribal Bill, and the Niyamgiri movement.
'I believe I did meaningful work in these areas,' he said, adding that in highlighting issues related to Dalits, Adivasis, and women, he would give himself 'good marks".
However, he admitted that he and the Congress party failed to adequately protect the interests of the OBC community.
'I did not protect the interests of the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community the way I should have. The reason is that, at the time, I didn't fully understand the issues faced by OBCs. Around 10–15 years ago, I had understood the challenges faced by Dalits— their issues were more visible and easier to grasp. But the struggles of OBCs often remain hidden,' he said.
Gandhi acknowledged that had he been more aware of the OBC community's concerns earlier, he would have pushed for a caste-based census then itself.
'That was my mistake, and I am now working to correct it. In a way, it's a good thing because had the caste census been conducted back then, it wouldn't have been as comprehensive as it can be today,' he claimed.
Highlighting the issue of underrepresentation, Gandhi pointed out the absence of marginalised groups in key decision-making processes. Referring to the traditional 'halwa ceremony' marking the final stages of the Union Budget preparation, he alleged, 'When the halwa was being distributed after the budget was prepared, there was no one representing the 90 percent of the country's population — Dalits, OBCs, Adivasis, and minorities — in that room.'
He emphasised that this 90 percent forms the backbone of the nation's productivity. 'You are the ones who make the halwa, but others are the ones eating it. We're not saying they shouldn't eat — but at the very least, you should get a share too.'
Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Hindu India", pointing out that nearly 50 percent of Hindus belong to the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community.
'If it truly is a Hindu India, then why are there hardly any OBCs in media and corporate sectors? Why are there no OBC individuals among the country's top news anchors?' Gandhi asked.
He further accused the government of snatching away the land of SC-ST and OBC communities, which are allegedly being handed over to industrialist Gautam Adani.
Gandhi again reiterated Congress' commitment to conducting a caste-based census wherever the party forms the government.
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