Dhule, March 13: Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, highlighted unemployment, inflation, and the concept of ‘bhagidari’ as critical issues confronting the nation during his interaction with the people in Dondaicha village, Dhule district, Maharashtra, as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Wednesday. He accused the Centre of diverting attention from these real problems.
Gandhi emphasized the significance of conducting a caste census, deeming it a historic and revolutionary step. He reiterated Congress’s commitment to carrying out a caste census if the party comes to power at the Centre, asserting that it would provide valuable insights for Dalits, economically disadvantaged individuals from the general category, minorities, and tribals.
Addressing concerns of representation, Gandhi pointed out the absence of adequate representation of the marginalized sections in various sectors such as media, the Election Commission, bureaucracy, private hospitals, and educational institutions.
He criticized the Modi government for waiving off loans amounting to Rs 16 lakh crore for the wealthy while neglecting the dues of farmers. Gandhi also highlighted the stark wealth inequality in the country, noting that 22 individuals possess as much wealth as 70 crore people.
In reference to the Centre’s Agnipath scheme for short-term induction of soldiers in the armed forces, Gandhi expressed concerns about the lack of martyr’s status or pension for Agniveers. He alleged that the government intends to divert pension funds and training expenses of soldiers towards the defense businesses of private companies.
Gandhi’s yatra, which entered Maharashtra on Tuesday, is in its final leg and is set to conclude in Mumbai on March 17th.
