New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar reacted to Rahul Gandhi’s alleged stance on “ending” the system of reservations in employment and education on Sunday, saying that such remarks by someone in a constitutional role demonstrate his “anti-constitutional mindset.”
“A person from a constitutional post saying on a foreign land that reservation should be ended underscores the same anti-constitutional mindset. The baton of prejudices against reservation has been handed over. It is the same old anti-constitutional mindset,” he said while addressing a public event in Mumbai.
Hitting back at Dhankar, Congress party spokesperson Pawan Khera asked whether he agrees on Gandhi’s demand to increase the ceiling limit on reservations. “Mr Rahul Gandhi has demanded removal of the 50% limit on reservations for SC/STs & OBCs. Do you support this demand of the Congress, Mr @VPIndia?,” asked the Congress leader on X.
Additionally, the chairman of the Rajya Sabha stated that it is essential to raise awareness about the Indian constitution because some people have forgotten its soul. “Reservation is not opposed to meritocracy; rather, it is the soul of the Constitution and the nation. It is not a negative activity, but an affirmative one. It is about supporting people who are the cornerstones of society’s strength rather than depriving someone of opportunities,” Dhankar added.
Rahul Gandhi’s remark and clarification
During a recent visit to the United States, the Leader of the Opposition stated that India should reconsider scrapping the reservation system only if it transforms into a “fair place” that offers equal opportunity to Indians from all walks of life.
Rahul Gandhi’s statement was seen by the ruling BJP as evidence of the Congress party’s “anti-reservation” stance and as a desire to “scrap” the system right away. Rahul Gandhi has been accused of supporting groups that were “conspiring to divide India” by Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Rahul Gandhi clarified his comments, saying that he was not against reservations and stated that his party would increase them to more than 50% if they come into power. “Someone misconstrued my statement yesterday, saying that I oppose reservations. To be clear, though, I am not opposed to reservations. We will accept reservations above fifty percent,” Gandhi declared at the US media conference.
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