Rahul fires caste census salvo at PM Modi

Attempting to turn the tables on BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of alleged disrespect to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the Centre on why there is such a low percentage of bureaucrats from OBC, Dalit and Adivasi communities serving in Government of India posts. Criticised for allegedly castigating OBCs at an election rally in Kolar in 2019, Rahul returned to the same venue to address another rally and attack the Centre. He said if the Modi government had any concern for the welfare of SCs and STs, it would remove the upper cap of 50% reservation. “If they do not do this, then it means you (Centre) are disrespecting OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis,” he said at the rally. He went on to say, “Let the PM make the 2011 caste census, conducted by the UPA government, public. Let the people know the population of OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis vis-a-vis the number of people from these communities serving as secretaries in the Government of India. As on date, only seven per cent of bureaucrats in the post of secretaries are from these communities.” Rahul said PM Modi has made many trips to Karnataka but has not spoken a single word on the 40% commission allegations the BJP government in the state is facing.