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On Dr BR Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reaffirmed his party’s commitment to social justice, presenting five key demands and pledging to fight for them from ‘streets to Parliament’.
Nationwide Caste Census
Kharge stressed the urgent need for a caste-based census alongside a general census. He criticized the Modi government for relying on outdated 2011 data and delaying the 2021 census.
“We don’t know the present condition of various social groups. Without data, we can’t implement welfare schemes effectively,” Kharge said.
Reinstatement Of SC-ST Sub-Plan
Kharge accused the Modi government of scrapping the SC-ST Sub-Plan, launched in 1976 by Indira Gandhi.
He noted that Congress-ruled states like Karnataka and Telangana have enacted it into law.
“We demand the Centre bring it back,” he asserted.
Removal Of 50% Reservation Cap
Kharge called for the removal of the 50 percent reservation cap and demanded that state-level quotas be protected under Schedule 9 of the Constitution.
He pointed to Tamil Nadu as an example where reservation has been safeguarded.
Reservation In Private Educational Institutions
Kharge urged the government to implement Article 15(5), enabling SC, ST, and OBC reservations in private colleges. Though upheld by the Supreme Court in 2014, he claimed it remains unenforced.
“Private colleges now dominate higher education. How will our children study without support?” he asked.
Women’s Reservation With SC-ST-OBC Quota
Kharge demanded immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, with one-third quotas reserved for SC, ST, and OBC women.
“This would be the biggest tribute to Dr Ambedkar,” he said.
Reiterating his resolve, Kharge said the Congress would campaign nationally for these demands, aligning with Ambedkar’s vision of equality, justice, and representation.
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