In a recent public rally in Odisha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stirred controversy by accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of falsehood regarding his caste identity. Gandhi claimed that PM Modi, during his time in Parliament, misrepresented himself as belonging to the Other Backward Caste (OBC) community when he was actually born into the General caste.
Gandhi’s accusations came during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, where he asserted, “PM Modi was not born in the OBC category. He was born Teli caste in Gujarat.” He further added, “He will not allow caste census to be conducted in his entire life because he was not born in OBC, he was born in General caste.”
— RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) The Congress leader urged the public to confront BJP workers with this information, stating, “Whenever BJP workers come to you, tell them one thing that our Prime Minister lied to the entire country that he belonged to the backward class.”
PM Modi’s assertion of being ‘sabse bada OBC’ (the biggest OBC) in Parliament was referenced by Gandhi, who accused the BJP of hypocrisy and double standards in dealing with leaders of backward communities.
In his rebuttal during the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha, PM Modi criticized the Congress party’s historical treatment of OBCs, claiming that they did not deliver justice to the community. He highlighted the lack of representation of OBC members in certain government bodies during the UPA government’s tenure.
Gandhi’s remarks during the Odisha leg of the yatra emphasized the need for caste census and equitable representation of marginalized communities. He questioned the media’s diversity and representation and highlighted the absence of Dalits and Adivasis in prominent sectors like top companies and government positions.Accusing PM Modi of favoring billionaires over OBCs, Gandhi also showcased a humane gesture by pausing his speech to allow an ambulance to pass, garnering attention amidst the political discourse.The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, with Gandhi clad in a white t-shirt, continued its journey from Odisha towards Chhattisgarh, accompanied by AICC leader Ajoy Kumar and OPCC president Sarat Pattnayak, aiming to address socio-political issues and connect with the masses.
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
