Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi vowed to increase reservation quotas for Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to 28 per cent, 12 per cent and 27 per cent, respectively, while addressing a rally in the tribal regions of Gumla and Lohardaga on Friday.
Explaining the term Adivasi (meaning original inhabitants), Gandhi argued that these communities are the rightful owners of India’s resources, with a first claim over the nation’s water, forests, and land. He criticised the BJP’s use of vanvasi, which he said implies that tribals are simply forest dwellers with no land rights. “Those who call you vanvasi want to take what you have. Modi ji and others label you as such, claiming your forests, land, and water for themselves, capitalists and prominent industrialists,” said Gandhi. He accused the BJP of seizing tribal land in the name of vikas (development), which, he argued, has become a code for dispossession of indigenous lands.
Gandhi emphasised that if land is acquired from tribal communities, it should be with their consent and fair compensation, with local employment opportunities for tribal youth. “We want your children to become engineers, doctors, and lawyers so that they can run industries on your land,” he added.
Citing demographic statistics, Gandhi noted that India’s population comprises around 8 per cent tribals, 15 per cent Dalits, and nearly 50 per cent OBCs, with minorities making up another 15 per cent – a collective 90 per cent of the population. He argued that this majority is underrepresented in government, business, and private sectors, asserting, “Hindustan is effectively run by around 90 individuals, who control the budget and levy GST on essentials, directing these funds into the national Budget.”
Gandhi also defended his call for a caste census, countering criticism that he was “dividing the country.” Instead, he said, “90 per cent of the people currently have no role in running the country. I am calling for their fair partnership in governance.” Highlighting the disparity, he observed that private hospitals, for example, are rarely if ever, owned by tribals.
He concluded, “We want justice, and demand that governance includes the 90 per cent – tribals, Dalits, and OBCs. The BJP, however, wants the nation to be governed by a select few – Modi, Shah, Adani and Ambani – concentrating the country’s wealth among them.”
Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to enacting a caste census and breaking the 50 per cent cap on reservations, pledging to increase quotas for STs from 26 per cent to 28 per cent, SCs from 10 per cent to 12 per cent, and OBCs from 14 per cent to 27 per cent. Additional promises included Rs 15 lakh in medical insurance cover per family, a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 3,200 per quintal for paddy, gas cylinders at Rs 450 and 7 kg of monthly rations per individual.
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