“In the Lok Sabha, I said the Congress party and INDIA alliance will conduct caste census to ensure equitable participation. Caste census is the biggest issue before us, and we will get it done; it is our central pillar. We will also remove the 50% cap on reservation,” Gandhi said addressing a press conference in Mumbai.
He emphasised that the caste census would help assess the population and institutional participation of Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes, ensuring equitable representation.
Gandhi also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the public regarding his stance on reservations. “PM is lying, saying I oppose reservation. On the contrary, I want to expand it beyond 50%,” he clarified.
Focusing on Jharkhand, Gandhi proposed increasing reservation percentages: Scheduled Tribes from 26% to 28%, Scheduled Castes from 10% to 12%, and Other Backward Classes from 14% to 27%. “Our strategy includes conducting a caste census and enhancing reservations, but BJP is actively obstructing these efforts,” he alleged.
Gandhi positioned the upcoming November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections as a battle of ideologies, pitting the INDIA alliance against the BJP and RSS. He emphasised the Congress and INDIA bloc’s commitment to protecting the Constitution and empowering marginalised communities.
“This is a battle of ideologies. On one side is the INDIA bloc and Congress, committed to safeguarding the Constitution and empowering marginalised communities. On the other are forces trying to crush the Constitution.”
He criticised the BJP for shifting major projects, including Foxconn and Airbus, from the state to Gujarat, depriving local youth of job opportunities. He also accused the BJP of prioritising industrialist Gautam Adani over the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Gandhi alleged irregularities in the Dharavi redevelopment scheme, calling it a move designed to benefit a single individual. “Ports, airports, and now Dharavi—everything is being handed over to one person. We are not convinced about how these tenders are being awarded,” he said.
Mocking the BJP’s slogan “ek hai toh safe hai” (together they are safe), Gandhi brought a safe to the press conference. Inside, he revealed two posters, one featuring Modi and Adani, and another detailing Adani Group’s Dharavi redevelopment project. “This safe represents the wealth of Mumbai, which is being handed over to Adani with the BJP’s support,” he said.
Gandhi reaffirmed the Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s commitment to safeguarding Maharashtra’s people and resources, highlighting the need for fairness and transparency in developmental projects.
