Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress for introducing religious-based reservations, accusing them of betraying Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. He alleged that the Congress reduced OBC quotas in Karnataka by grouping Muslim castes, claiming this tactic could spread nationwide.
Speaking at an election rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, PM Modi stated, “Once again, Congress has granted reservation based on religion in Karnataka by including all Muslim castes with the OBCs. This move snatches a significant portion of the reservation from the OBC community. Congress has engaged in this risky game that threatens future generations.” He emphasized that our Constitution prohibits religious-based reservation, and Dr. Ambedkar opposed it. However, Congress adopted this dangerous stance years ago and continues to deceive people to fulfill it,” he added.
Describing Congress as the “chief adversary of the OBCs,” PM Modi stressed that winning over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections was crucial to safeguarding quotas for the Other Backward Class, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.
PM Modi’s comments followed criticism from the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which condemned Karnataka’s decision, arguing it undermines the principle of social justice.
In 2023, the Congress government in Karnataka included Muslims in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list by categorizing all Muslim castes and communities under Category II-B for reservation in jobs and educational institutions. PM Modi alleged that Congress had promised religious-based reservations in its manifestos for the 2009 and 2014 elections.
“Congress is planning to reduce the 15% quota for SC, ST, and OBCs and implement religious-based reservations,” PM Modi stated.
PM Modi also criticized Congress-led state governments for indulging in appeasement politics. He highlighted Telangana’s Chief Minister’s pledge to provide reservations for Muslims, asserting that Congress would go to great lengths to appease its vote bank.
“When the Congress government was formed at the Centre, they first introduced religious-based reservation in Andhra Pradesh. But Congress did not fully succeed then. They still want to pursue that agenda,” PM Modi said.
“To take away the OBCs’ share of reservation in Karnataka, Congress designated all Muslims in the state as OBCs. This move is a warning to the entire OBC community in the country,” he concluded.
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