Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Lateral Entry as Attack on Bahujan Rights

Rahul Gandhi has condemned the BJP's lateral entry policy, calling it an attack on Dalits, OBCs, and adivasis. He accused the government of undermining reservations. The policy allows specialists from the private sector to apply for government posts, a move Gandhi alleges harms social justice.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, intensified his criticism of the lateral entry policy on Monday, branding it an assault on Dalits, OBCs, and adivasis. Gandhi charged that the BJP aims to deprive these communities of their reservations.

The Congress party's backlash followed a UPSC notification issued on Saturday to recruit 45 joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries via lateral entry, which includes candidates from the private sector.

Government sources noted that the lateral entry concept was first introduced during the Congress-led UPA regime and was endorsed by its Second Administrative Reforms Commission in 2005. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticized Congress for what he called its hypocrisy, asserting that the NDA government has established a transparent method to implement this policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)