In a fervent address during a rally supporting Congress' Pune Lok Sabha candidate Ravindra Dhangekar, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, posed a direct question to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, challenging whether he would consider eliminating the 50 per cent cap on reservations in India. Asserting the transformative potential of his party's Nyay initiative, Gandhi emphasized the revolutionary impact it could have on the trajectory of Indian politics.
Characterizing Maharashtra as a bastion of Congress ideology, Gandhi expressed his affection for the state, highlighting its historical resonance with the party's principles.
Gandhi cautioned against the potential consequences of amending the Constitution, warning that such changes could drastically alter the fabric of Indian society. He reiterated the Congress' commitment to conducting a caste census and abolishing the existing 50 per cent reservation limit, which he deemed as artificial and detrimental to millions of individuals.
Highlighting the foundational role of the Constitution in safeguarding the rights of the underprivileged, Gandhi underscored the concerted efforts by the BJP and RSS to undermine its principles. He emphasized the need to preserve the Constitution, crafted by visionaries such as Babasaheb Ambedkar, embodying the ideologies of Mahatma Phule, Mahatma Gandhi, and Pandit Nehru.
Gandhi condemned the disproportionate representation of marginalized communities in various sectors, citing the glaring disparities in corporate, media, and educational institutions. He proposed comprehensive measures, including a caste census and economic survey, to rectify these imbalances and foster greater transparency.
Accusing the Modi government of perpetrating corruption through schemes like electoral bonds, Gandhi denounced the lack of transparency in political financing. He criticized the government's preferential treatment of wealthy individuals while neglecting the plight of farmers and the economically disadvantaged.
Promising sweeping reforms if the Congress assumes power, Gandhi vowed to abolish discriminatory recruitment schemes in the armed forces and simplify the GST structure. He outlined ambitious plans to alleviate farmer distress, provide employment opportunities for graduates, and offer financial assistance to impoverished households.
In a scathing attack on Modi, Gandhi denounced his endorsement of controversial candidates and disparaging remarks against political opponents. He called for dignity and decorum in public discourse, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to prioritize national issues over personal attacks.
Closing his address with a reaffirmation of his belief in Maharashtra's allegiance to Congress values, Gandhi appealed to the intrinsic ethos of the state's residents, urging them to uphold the principles of inclusivity and social justice.
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