The Congress party has intensified its attack on the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on the issue of the caste-based census. Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole on Monday slammed the BJP, saying that BJP and the Modi government use the Bahujan Samaj only for votes, without granting them their rights.

“If justice is to be served to these communities, a caste-based census must be conducted,” Nana Patole said.

In the struggle for the country`s independence, the backward classes also made significant contributions. However, the current situation is different, as those who didn`t actively participate in the fight for freedom now hold power and are amending the Constitution, he added.

While addressing a rally organised by the Jalna District Congress Committee, Nana Patole said that during Dr Manmohan Singh`s tenure at the centre, detailed data of the OBC community had been prepared but it was not made public by the subsequent Narendra Modi government. 

“The BJP does not want to benefit the backward classes. The Justice Renke Committee conducted a nationwide study to give justice to the backward classes and presented a report to the central government. Till now, the Narendra Modi government haven’t set up a sub-committee on it, depriving the Bahujan Samaj of justice. Only the Congress party can deliver justice to the Bahujan Samaj. When I was the speaker of the Stat Legislative Assembly, I proposed a caste-based census and got it approved. Following this, similar proposals were approved by other states in the country,” Nana Patole said.

He further said that the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi are making efforts to provide justice to all castes.

Nana Patole also appealed that the Bahujan community to wake up and stand with those who protect the interests of the community.

“Rahul Gandhi has promised in the election campaign of the Karnataka Assembly that after the Congress comes to power at the Centre, a caste-wise census will be conducted,” he added.

What is the problem with I.N.D.I.A?

Answering a question asked by journalists after the rally, Nana Patole said that major parties across the country have formed an alliance against the dictatorial and arbitrary government of Narendra Modi and this alliance has been called `I.N.D.I.A`. “BJP is objecting to this name. If BJP can use Make in India, Startup India then what is the problem with `I.N.D.I.A`,” Patole asked.

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