Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party for plotting to introduce religion-based reservation in the country for vote-catching and made it clear that he was resolutely opposed to such a move. He called the Congress agenda an exercise in pander-giving to minorities and added that the SC/ST and OBC voting base had switched loyalties to the BJP.
"In Karnataka, the Congress has initiated a drive to amend the Constitution and encroach upon the rights of SC/ST and OBC communities. Our Constitution unequivocally rejects religion-based reservation. However, the Karnataka government has allocated a portion of OBC reservation to Muslims," Modi declared during a massive election rally in the district headquarters town.
He cautioned, "The Congress will not stop at this. They previously mentioned in their manifesto about enacting legislation to enforce religion-based reservation. This time around, there are similar signals in their manifesto."
Expressing his determination to enlighten Dalit, SC/ST, and OBC brethren about the Congress's ulterior motives, Modi asserted, "These individuals, driven by religious considerations to safeguard their voter base, are plotting to deprive you of the rights bestowed upon you by Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution."
Accompanied by veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa and party candidates and MPs from Bagalkote and Vijayapura constituencies, Modi emphasized the significant representation of SC, ST, and OBC MPs from the BJP in Parliament. "Since SC, ST, and OBC communities are aligning with the BJP, the Congress perceives an opportunity to curry favor with minorities by usurping from SC, ST, and OBC quotas. Will you allow this?" Modi questioned the crowd.
Promising unwavering support to safeguard the rights and reservations of Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs, Modi assured, "I pledge today to my Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC brethren that I will thwart the Congress's nefarious intentions. I will go to any lengths to protect your rights and reservations."
