In a recent political showdown, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his claim of belonging to the Other Backward Class (OBC) community. However, a meticulous fact-check by the government has brought the truth to light, revealing the intricacies of PM Modi’s caste background.
Gandhi, during his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Odisha, accused PM Modi of misleading the public by identifying himself as an OBC member. He claimed that Modi, born into the Ghanchi caste, was included in the OBC list during the BJP government’s tenure in Gujarat. In response, the government issued a concise note, titled ‘Facts Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s Statement on PM’s Caste,’ setting the record straight.
Contrary to Gandhi’s assertions, the note highlighted that the Modh Ghanchi caste, to which PM Modi belongs, was indeed included in the Gujarat government’s list of socially and educationally backward classes and OBCs. The inclusion dates back to a survey conducted by the Mandal Commission in Gujarat, leading to a government notification on 25 July1994.
Moreover, the government emphasised that the decision to include the Modh Ghanchi sub-group in the OBC list was not a recent development. In fact, it was formalised through a Government of India notification on 4 April 2000, a period when Narendra Modi was neither in power nor holding any executive office.
The heated exchange comes amidst a larger political debate on the national caste census, a subject that gained prominence following Bihar’s comprehensive caste survey. The survey revealed that over 60% of the state’s population comprised OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), making them crucial vote banks. Rahul Gandhi, aiming to capitalise on this sentiment, pledged to conduct a nationwide caste census and lift the Supreme Court-ordered 50% cap on reservations if the Congress secures victory in the Lok Sabha election.
Responding to Gandhi’s accusations, PM Modi, in a recent speech in the Rajya Sabha, invoked former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s stance on reservations. He asserted that Nehru was skeptical about job reservations for SC, ST, and OBCs, expressing concerns about potential declines in government work standards. PM Modi seized the opportunity to underscore his party’s commitment to the welfare of SC, ST, and OBC communities, countering Gandhi’s claims.
As the political drama unfolds, the spotlight remains on the contrasting narratives surrounding PM Modi’s OBC identity, with both sides presenting their perspectives amidst the broader discourse on caste dynamics in Indian politics.
Vakilsearch’s legal experts view the present OBC controversy as a testament to the critical need for clarity in political discourse and caste certificates. As debates unfold, legal intricacies may arise. Understanding caste dynamics, especially in a political context, demands legal expertise.
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