Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Rahul Gandhi Launches Congress’ Campaign with “Samvidhan Samman Sammelan”, Renews Call for Caste Census

Rahul Gandhi, senior Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday launched the Grand Old Party’s election campaign ahead of the all important Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled on November 20. He began with a visit to Deekshabhoomi to honor Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and advocated for the principles of equality enshrined in the Constitution.

Gandhi spoke at the “Samvidhan Samman Sammelan” (Respecting Constitution Conference), organized by the OBC Youth Rights Forum, drawing a crowd of representatives from 200 civil society organizations, NGOs, and social groups that advocate for equal rights.

During his address, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha hit out at the RSS and BJP accusing them of using terms like “vikas” (development), “pragati” (progress), and “unity” to advance policies that disproportionately benefit a select few at the cost of the majority. They cannot directly attack the Constitution, so they hide behind these slogans to promote an agenda of inequality,” he said.

Reaffirming his demand for a caste census, Gandhi argued that it is essential to address the needs of marginalized communities. “When I raise the demand for a caste census, Modiji says I am dividing the nation. But I am amplifying the voice of the deprived, the 90% of the population who do not benefit from the country’s resources,” he stated. He added that Prime Minister Modi has been “losing sleep” since the demand was raised, with the BJP and RSS unable to take a clear position. Gandhi accused them of ignoring the issue, saying they favor only 5% of the population holding power and wealth. He questioned the source of funds for the RSS’s extensive infrastructure and activities, attributing them to BJP-run state governments and favored industrialists that include Adani and Ambani.

The Raebareli MP further added that a caste census would bring significant change, ensuring representation and access to power, wealth, and respect for underrepresented groups in the judiciary, bureaucracy, and corporate sectors. He also advocated for dismantling the 50% reservation cap, saying, “We must break down this barrier and ensure justice for the 90% of marginalized people in the country.”​