"We regret 100% for not implementing these measures back then”: says Rahul Gandhi, demanding better representation of OBCs and immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill

In a press conference on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded immediate implementation of the women's reservation bill and said that he “100% regrets” not including the OBCs in the bill and passing it during the Congress regime. The Congress MP further alleged that the government is indulging in diversionary tactics to divert attention from the real issue: the demand for a caste census.

Rahul Gandhi admitted that had the Congress accepted the demand for a quota for women from OBC communities - a demand it had rejected in 2010 but is now advocating for - the landmark bill might have become law a decade ago. “100%, we regret 100% for not implementing these measures back then. However, now we are more committed than we have ever been to drive this goal to fruition.“ said the Congress MP.

He called out the BJP party for the delayed implementation of a bill that gives the women of India their due respect. “We support the bill; we want its immediate implementation. The Women's Reservation bill is a good thing, but two 'footnotes' of census and delimitation have been attached”, stated Gandhi, taking a jibe at the ruling Government for giving out ‘poor excuses’ for the postponement of the implementation. "If at all it is implemented, it will be 10 years from now," said Gandhi.

“I was shaken when I saw the data. I could not believe that only 3 out of 90 secretaries belong to the OBC community” said the Wayand MP talking about the representation of the OBC community. “The Prime Minister of this country claims that he works for the betterment of the OBC community, he believes in OBC pride. Had this been the truth, how come only 3 out of 90 secretaries belong to the OBC community?” questioned Gandhi.

Stating that the OBC secretaries control only a mere 5% of the total budget of India, Rahul Gandhi said that he was appalled by the current situation. “The OBC youths must question this, they too must have a stake in the running of this country”, he added.

“I accept that the OBCs were not as well represented back during our regime, and that is wrong. That being said, the lack of OBC representation now, is wrong too. We want to change this narrative”, said Rahul Gandhi demanding that the ruling BJP government release the data of the previous census and conduct a new caste census.​