Union Minister Rijiju Defends PM Modi Against Rahul Gandhi's Representation Comments

Synopsis

On February 4, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju rebuked Rahul Gandhi over his continuous remarks on the representation of OBCs, SCs, and STs. Rijiju highlighted PM Modi's status as a prominent OBC leader and urged Gandhi to listen to Modi's response during the Motion of Thanks.

Key Takeaways

Kiren Rijiju criticized Rahul Gandhi for his comments on OBC representation.
PM Modi is noted as a significant OBC figure.
Rijiju emphasized his own Scheduled Tribe background.
Gandhi called for a caste census to address representation issues.
Rijiju labeled Gandhi's remarks as baseless.

New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for continuously raising the issue of representation for Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, urging him to brace for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to the 'Motion of Thanks' today.

Ridiculing the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju stated: "For the last few years, he has been highlighting this topic. Does he fail to notice that Prime Minister Modi is the most significant OBC representative? PM Modi is celebrated globally as a leader. Can't Rahul Gandhi recognize this?"

In a social media post on X, Rijiju mentioned that he is part of a Scheduled Tribe and holds the position of Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, while Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Law Minister, represents the Scheduled Caste community.

He questioned whether the Congress party has appointed anyone from the tribal or Dalit communities as the law minister or an OBC as prime minister.

"It appears that Rahul Gandhi is unaware of what he is saying," the Union Minister remarked.

These comments were made after Rahul Gandhi reiterated the call for a caste census in Parliament, claiming that OBCs, Dalits, and tribals lack adequate representation in economic and political spheres.

"Our caste survey in Telangana revealed that 90 percent of the population consists of Dalits, tribals, Backward Classes, and minorities. Yet, none of the largest corporations in this nation are owned by these groups," stated LoP Gandhi.

Addressing BJP's OBC leaders, he emphasized, "OBCs constitute 50 percent of the population, yet lack genuine power. You cannot even voice your opinions. This is the reality in our nation."

Rijiju rebutted Rahul Gandhi's assertions, highlighting that the Prime Minister himself belongs to an OBC community, labeling the MP's comments as "unfounded."

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to respond to the Motion of Thanks today at 5 p.m., with Rijiju advising Gandhi to prepare for the Prime Minister's reply.