Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the opposition of creating divisions in society along caste lines, following the release of Bihar’s caste census survey report by the state government.
Addressing a rally in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, which is currently in the midst of election season, PM Modi made pointed remarks without directly mentioning the caste survey. He stated, “The people of the country had given those opposing development 60 years. 60 years is not a less time. If in nine years all this development & progress can happen in the country, a lot could have happened in 60 years.”
PM Modi continued, “Even they had a chance & it is their failure that they could not do it. Even then they used to play with the feelings of the poor & they are doing it even now. Even then they used to divide the country on the basis of caste & even now they are doing the same.” These comments are widely interpreted as indirect criticism aimed at the Bihar government, which is led by a coalition of Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Congress.
The findings from Bihar’s caste census report indicate that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) collectively make up a significant 63% of the state’s population. The Congress has pledged to conduct a caste-based census at the national level if it secures power in the central government.
PM Modi continued his critique of the opposition, asserting, “When the entire world is praising the country and sees their future in India, there are those who indulge in politics and are unable to see anything except their chair…they do not like India being praised the world over. These anti-development people are trying to prove that nothing has happened in the nation and they have pain in their stomach (over India’s praise).”
He went on to say, “They are averse to development taking place in the country. They are haters of development.” PM Modi’s comments reflect the ongoing political discourse in India, with the upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh and the broader context of discussions surrounding caste-based demographics and development.
Sources By Agencies