Rahul Gandhi: Caste Census and Reservation Limits are Unstoppable

Rahul Gandhi, addressing a gathering in Uttar Pradesh, declared that the caste census and reservation limits are inevitable, driven by the will of the people. He emphasized the importance of these measures for including the poor in the mainstream, taking a swipe at PM Modi for potential political resistance.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, stated on Saturday that halting the caste census or maintaining the 50 per cent reservation limit is a 'dream.' Speaking at the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi firmly declared, 'If anyone thinks that the caste census can be stopped or the 50 per cent barrier in reservation will remain, let me tell you, they are dreaming.'

'Neither the caste census will stop, nor the socio-economic survey, nor the institutional survey, nor will the 50 per cent barrier (in reservation) remain... because the people of India have made up their minds; the order has come from the people, now the Prime Minister must accept this and enforce the order. And if he does not enforce it, then other Prime Ministers will do it,' he proclaimed. Gandhi emphasized that the census is aimed at integrating 90 per cent of India's poor into the mainstream, dismissing political motives.

'I am not doing the caste census for political reasons... For me, this is about including the 90 per cent poor farmers of India into (the mainstream) this country. This is my mission, and even if it causes political loss, I will do it,' Gandhi said. He added that the Congress party is safeguarding the constitution through the caste census. Holding up a copy of the constitution, he highlighted its protective power for India's poor, farmers, and laborers.

Taking a direct dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he remarked, 'You think of yourself as non-biological, you think of yourself as directly connected to God... wrong number,' Gandhi said, underscoring his point. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)