New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah branded the Congress party as the foremost opponent of the OBC (Other Backward Classes), asserting that no fewer than 27 ministers from the OBC community serve in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

During a discussion on the women’s reservation bill in the Lok Sabha, Shah accused Congress not only of hindering women's representation but also of consistently being against OBC and Dalit rights.

He highlighted that Congress had resisted a caste-based census in both 1951 and 1971, and despite its recent attempts to appear supportive of the OBC community due to changing political landscapes and electoral setbacks, its history speaks otherwise.

“Despite being in power for over six decades, the grand old party has never appointed an OBC individual as Prime Minister,” Shah emphasized.

In contrast, he noted that in the BJP government, OBC representation stands at an impressive 40 percent with 27 ministers.

“Our administration has also delegated the ‘rejig rights’ of the OBC list to state governments for their empowerment,” he explained.

Shah remarked, “While they prioritize electoral wins, we prioritize the welfare of the nation, its citizens, and the protection of their rights.”

Reflecting on Congress's past decisions, he stated, “In 1980, the Indira Gandhi administration shelved the Mandal Commission recommendations. Although the VP Singh government enacted OBC reservations in 1990, it was Rajiv Gandhi, then Leader of Opposition, who vehemently opposed it.”

Further questioning Congress's authenticity, he remarked that even today, they profess support for the OBC community, but it is the Modi government that has genuinely championed their rights.

Shah added, “Today, the power of women, or ‘nari shakti’, is scrutinizing the Opposition's stance against the 33 percent reservation for women. They will hold them accountable when they take to the streets.”

He noted that this marks the fifth time Congress has opposed the women’s reservation bill, warning that they will face backlash from the electorate in upcoming elections.

According to him, the BJP has consistently supported women’s representation and has upheld this commitment through leaders such as the late Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti, Vasundhara Raje, and Anandiben Patel, the first women chief ministers in their respective states.

“Droupadi Murmu’s election as the first woman from the tribal community to the presidency is a testament to the BJP's support,” he highlighted.

“It is unfortunate that those who previously opposed women’s reservation are now attempting to undermine this bill,” Amit Shah concluded.