Taking a sharp attack, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde lashed out at the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his recent utterances on reservations made during his visit to the United States. Further, Shinde alleged that the Congress party indulges in politics based on religion and caste.
In a strong statement published on X, Shinde said: “Rahul Gandhi’s comments reflect his narrow mindset. Every time Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, he slanders our country. The country cannot join hands with his narrow thinking. It has become a tradition of the Congress to play politics based on religion and caste.”
Shinde, who defines himself as a “true soldier of Shiv Sena,” vowed that he would continue to uphold reservation policies. He also made it clear that the Mahayuti government, of which his party is a part, stands as solid as a rock behind reservation and will not allow its dismantling. “Spreading confusion about the Constitution and reservation has become their fashion. Rahul Gandhi’s stance against reservation is now exposed on a global stage. The Mahayuti government stands firmly with policies of reservation. And, as an honest Shiv Sena member, I will ensure that reservation remains intact,” Shinde added.
Earlier in the day, Union Minister Amit Shah also slammed Rahul Gandhi over his reservations remarks. Shah accused Gandhi of “staying on with forces that conspire to divide the country.” He announced that the BJP would not allow any effort to abolish reservations or put national security in danger. Shah further charged that Gandhi’s remarks expose his divisive policies.
Gandhi’s comments came during the session at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he spoke about scrapping reservations if India were to become a “fair place.” He was quick to add that that is not the case now. Among other things, Gandhi advocated for a caste census, saying 90 percent of India’s population are OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis who have no representation in the country’s institutions and media.
Gandhi explained that 90 percent of India—OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis—remain excluded from the mainstream. He emphasized the need to address this issue in discussions about controlling institutions, businesses, and media.
He also stated that the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, remains committed to protecting the Constitution. Additionally, the bloc supports conducting a caste census.
Furthermore, Gandhi criticized the concentration of economic power. He argued that it should not be controlled by a few businessmen.
Both Shinde and Shah responded by emphatically defending the current reservation policy. And accused Gandhi of attempting to break up national unity and stability. Comments that seem to illustrate continued tensions within the ruling and opposition parties on issues related to social justice and representation. Debates that are likely to shape public opinion, and policy discourses in the months to come.
ANI