Gandhi underscored that while the Indian Constitution was officially drafted in 1949-1950, its philosophical roots trace back thousands of years, influenced by visionaries such as Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Birsa Munda, Narayana Guru, and Basavanna. “Without the wisdom of these great leaders, our Constitution may not have existed. However, this progressive thinking is now under threat,” he said, calling the protection of the Constitution the nation’s most pressing concern.
Criticism of the Modi Government
Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of systematically weakening the Constitution. “Their aim is to undermine and destroy the Constitution, but we will not allow that to happen,” Gandhi stated firmly.
Reiterating the Congress party’s commitment to a caste census, he pointed out the growing economic inequality in the country, where 1% of the population controls the wealth and rights of 90%. He vowed that a caste census would be conducted “at any cost” and called for lifting the 50% cap on reservations, asserting that the history of marginalized communities is being systematically erased.
Concerns Over Representation and Education
Gandhi also voiced concern over the lack of representation of tribal and backward communities in India’s education system. Drawing from his own experience, he mentioned that the history, culture, and contributions of tribals, Dalits, and backward classes are almost absent from school curriculums. “Dalits are only mentioned in one line about untouchability,” he lamented, noting that the contributions of OBCs, farmers, and laborers are rarely acknowledged.
He went on to criticize the bureaucratic structure for being exclusionary. Gandhi highlighted that Dalits, tribals, and backward classes are severely underrepresented in key ministries. “If Rs 100 is allocated for spending, Dalit officers control only Re 1, and tribal officers even less,” he stated.
BJP’s Marginalization of Tribals
Rahul Gandhi also criticized the BJP’s portrayal of tribals as “Vanvasis” (forest dwellers), asserting that this terminology seeks to marginalize their contributions. “Tribals were the original inhabitants of this land, and they have the first right to its resources,” he declared.
He further accused the BJP of sidelining President Droupadi Murmu, claiming that she was excluded from significant national events, such as the inauguration of the new Parliament building and the Ram temple, because of her tribal background.
Allegations of Institutional Control
In a broader attack on the BJP, Gandhi alleged that the party has seized control of critical institutions, including the media, Election Commission, CBI, ED, Income Tax department, and bureaucracy. He warned that the government is deliberately keeping marginalized communities away from their rightful share of power and opportunities in sectors like media, corporate leadership, judiciary, and entertainment.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks are expected to fuel ongoing political debates, particularly around the caste census and representation of marginalized communities in India.
