In a recent statement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that reservations could be considered for removal only when there are equal opportunities for everyone in India. Speaking to students at Georgetown University in Washington as part of his U.S. tour, he mentioned that such equality does not currently exist in India. He pointed out that OBCs, Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities make up 90% of India's population, yet their representation is almost negligible among the top 200 business executives, in the judiciary, and in the media. Rahul highlighted that out of 78 secretaries in the central government, there is only one tribal, three Dalits, three OBCs, and just one minority member. He emphasized the need for a caste census to better understand the status of SCs, STs, and OBCs in the country.
Controversy Over Rahul's Remarks
Rahul Gandhi's comments in Virginia have sparked controversy. He stated, "Today, the fight in India is not just about politics; it's about whether a Sikh can wear a turban and go to a Gurudwara. It’s a fight for all religions." Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri criticized Rahul's remarks, claiming his language resembled that of Khalistani separatist Gurfateh Singh Pannu. Another minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accused Rahul of tarnishing the country's image abroad and termed his statements as "anti-national."
