During the ET Now-Global Business Summit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized former Congress President Rahul Gandhi for questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s caste background. Shah refuted Gandhi’s claims and accused the Congress of distorting facts to create controversy.
Shah rebuked Gandhi’s assertion that PM Modi was not originally from an Other Backward Class (OBC) background, stating that Modi’s OBC status was recognized by the Congress-led government in Gujarat back in 1994. He emphasized that PM Modi’s community was listed as OBC during a time when Congress was in power both at the state and central levels.
Furthermore, Shah highlighted PM Modi’s efforts in giving constitutional recognition to OBC communities, forming commissions for their welfare, and implementing reservations in central government jobs. He accused the Congress of being anti-OBC and misleading the public for political gain.
Shah also addressed the ongoing discussion in Parliament regarding the historic resolution on Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha, expressing his joy at the culmination of efforts to build the Ram Mandir at the birthplace of Lord Ram. He called for unity in celebrating this historic moment, urging all parties, including the Congress, to join in.
In response to questions about recent Bharat Ratna awards, Shah praised the contributions of the recipients and criticized the Congress for allegedly politicizing past awards. He argued that awards given during the Congress regime were either compelled or favored individuals from their own ‘family’.
Shah’s remarks underscore the ongoing political tensions between the BJP and Congress, highlighting the contentious nature of caste politics and the Ram Mandir issue in India’s political landscape.
