Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the INDIA bloc of engaging in “vote bank politics” that undermine the constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). In an exclusive interview with ANI, Modi emphasized the importance of reservation as a key issue in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, framing it as a battle to protect marginalized communities.
“I want to alert the SC, ST, OBC, and other backward-class people because by keeping them in darkness, the opposition is looting them,” Modi said. “Election time is when I must make the country aware of the looming crisis. The basic spirit of the Constitution of India is being violated for vote bank politics. Those who claim to be well-wishers of Dalits and Tribals are actually their staunch enemies. Their manifestos bear the imprint of the Muslim League. Are we to destroy future generations for vote-bank politics? I will fight for the rights of my Dalit, Tribal, and OBC brothers and sisters.”
Modi highlighted actions by the opposition that he claimed deprived SC, ST, and OBC communities of protections, particularly criticizing the conversion of educational institutions into minority institutions. He cited Jamia Millia University in Delhi as an example, stating it resulted in the loss of reservations and impacted admissions and jobs.
“They swiftly converted educational institutions into minority institutions, thereby eliminating reservations,” Modi said. “For instance, in Delhi, Jamia Millia University was designated a minority institution, resulting in the loss of reservations. Around 10,000 such institutions have been removed from SC, ST, and OBC protections.”
Modi also expressed concern over the Congress party’s stance on reservations, which he said became evident in their manifesto. He criticized Congress’s proposal to reserve government tenders for minorities, arguing that critical projects should go to the most qualified and capable companies, not be based on religious quotas.
“If an important bridge is being built, the contract should go to the company with the best track record, resources, and capabilities,” Modi argued. “Congress’s proposal to reserve quotas for minorities in government tenders could lead to disastrous outcomes. Do we want to destroy future generations for vote-bank politics?”
Modi referenced the recent Calcutta High Court decision to cancel OBC certificates, highlighting what he described as fraudulent practices by the opposition to grant OBC status to Muslim castes, thereby depriving genuine OBCs of their rights.
“The opposition started by giving reservations to minorities through a law in Andhra Pradesh, which was rejected by the Supreme Court,” Modi explained. “They then covertly granted OBC status to all Muslim castes, robbing genuine OBCs of their rights. When the High Court’s judgment came, it exposed this fraud. Now, for vote bank politics, they are even abusing the judiciary and refusing to comply with court orders. This situation is unacceptable.”
With six phases of the Lok Sabha elections completed, the final phase will take place on June 1, involving 57 constituencies across eight states. The election results will be announced on June 4.
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