Rahul Gandhi admits lack of understanding in OBC plight: 'It was my mistake'
PTC News Desk: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday acknowledged that failing to push for a caste census earlier was a personal oversight and vowed to address it going forward. Speaking at the 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan' held for the OBC community at Delhi's Talkatora Stadium, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the recently conducted caste survey in Telangana would have far-reaching political implications nationwide.
Reflecting on his 21-year political journey, Gandhi noted his contributions to several key initiatives, such as the land acquisition law, MGNREGA, the food security bill, and tribal rights. However, he admitted that he had not done enough to champion the concerns of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). While he had long engaged with issues affecting Dalits and Scheduled Tribes, he conceded that he hadn't fully understood the challenges faced by OBCs.
Gandhi clarified that the failure to prioritize a caste census was his own and not the Congress party’s. "Had I been more aware of your struggles and history, I would have initiated the caste census much earlier. That was my mistake, and I intend to make it right," he told the audience.
He reaffirmed the Congress party’s promise to carry out caste censuses in every state under its governance and to work toward lifting the 50% cap on reservations. Emphasizing the importance of data in the modern era, Gandhi noted that Telangana now possesses concrete information on the representation of SC, ST, and OBC communities in corporate leadership and other sectors.
Several senior Congress leaders, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Sachin Pilot and Anil JaiHind were present at the event.
- With inputs from agencies
