In a powerful speech at the ‘Samvidhan Samman Sammelan’ in Ranchi, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of wielding undue control over crucial institutions in India. His allegations, aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, resonated with the crowd as he highlighted what he described as the BJP’s manipulation of the Election Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), income tax department, and the broader bureaucracy.
Key Highlights from Rahul Gandhi’s Speech
Constitution Under Attack
Rahul Gandhi’s primary concern was the perceived threat to India’s democratic foundations. He claimed that the Constitution is “under constant attack” from the current government, warning that Modi and Shah are undermining constitutional values. He urged citizens to protect democracy and safeguard the integrity of India’s institutions before it’s too late.
Funding and Honesty
In contrasting the Congress and BJP, Gandhi didn’t hold back. He accused the BJP of having control over vast financial resources, hinting at questionable methods of fundraising. However, he positioned the Congress as a party of integrity, saying, “The BJP also controls funds and institutions, but we possess honesty.” He added that the Congress fought the Lok Sabha elections without relying on large financial backers, standing by its principles despite financial challenges.
Caste Census Advocacy
Rahul Gandhi renewed his push for a caste census, emphasizing its importance for achieving social equity in India. He called for the removal of the 50% cap on reservations, arguing that it would better reflect the population and ensure justice for marginalized communities. Confident in the need for this initiative, Gandhi assured the audience that no opposition could prevent the implementation of a caste census.
Critique of Tribal Representation
The BJP also came under fire for its treatment of Dalit, tribal, and backward communities. Gandhi pointed to the underrepresentation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in significant positions across government and corporate sectors. He argued that the BJP’s policies have failed to empower these groups, further marginalizing them despite promises of inclusive development.
Jharkhand Assembly Elections
This speech marked Rahul Gandhi’s first visit to Jharkhand since the announcement of dates for the state’s upcoming assembly elections, which will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20. With results expected on November 23, his remarks set the stage for what is sure to be a heated electoral battle. The Congress party, under Gandhi’s leadership, is gearing up to take on the BJP and its allies in a critical contest.
Alliance Dynamics
Adding to the political drama, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced that the INDIA bloc, which includes Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), will contest 70 out of the 81 assembly seats together. However, this decision sparked tensions within the alliance, with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expressing dissatisfaction over what it called a one-sided seat-sharing arrangement.
As Jharkhand heads into this pivotal election, Rahul Gandhi’s accusations of BJP’s institutional control, his advocacy for a caste census, and the evident rifts within the opposition alliance highlight the intense political stakes. With these dynamics at play, the upcoming polls could significantly shape Jharkhand’s political landscape for years to come.
