Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Simdega, pledged to raise the reservation cap above 50 per cent if his party is re-elected to power. He also accused PM Narendra Modi of waiving loans for wealthy capitalists while neglecting the debts of farmers. Rahul Gandhi further targeted the BJP and their ideology, stating that they want to run the country with only a few individuals and disregard the majority's voices.
Rahul Gandhi Pledges Reservation Quota Increase, Slams Modi Government on Farmer Debt
At a recent rally in Jharkhand's Simdega, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a bold promise to increase the reservation quota above 50% if his party is voted back to power. This pledge sparked both support and criticism, reigniting the ongoing debate on affirmative action in India.
Background:
India's current reservation system provides quotas for socially and economically disadvantaged groups in government jobs, education, and political representation. The reservation quota has been a contentious issue since its inception, with proponents arguing that it helps address historical inequalities and opponents claiming it undermines meritocracy.
Rahul Gandhi's Promise:
Gandhi's promise to increase the reservation quota beyond 50% is a significant departure from the current constitutional limit. The Supreme Court has ruled that the total reservation quota cannot exceed 50% of available seats. However, Gandhi argued that this limit is arbitrary and fails to fully address the needs of marginalized communities.
BJP's Response:
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized Gandhi's promise, calling it a "divisive and vote-bank politics." BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused Congress of using reservation as a tool to garner votes and ignoring the need for meritocracy.
Other Key Points from Gandhi's Speech:
In addition to the reservation pledge, Gandhi also leveled accusations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government. He criticized the government for waiving loans for wealthy capitalists while neglecting the debts of farmers. Gandhi further accused the BJP of promoting an ideology that favors a select few individuals and suppresses the voices of the majority.
Top 5 FAQs on Rahul Gandhi's Reservation Pledge:
What is the current reservation quota in India?
Why does Rahul Gandhi want to increase the reservation quota?
Is it constitutional to increase the reservation quota beyond 50%?
What is the BJP's stance on Gandhi's promise?
How has the public reacted to Gandhi's pledge?
The recent decision by the Andhra Pradesh High Court to restore the membership of MLC Indukuri Raghu Raju has cast doubt over the upcoming MLC election in Vizianagaram. The disqualification of Raju, who belongs to the YSR Congress Party, was due to allegations of anti-party activities. While the ruling party has named a new candidate for the election, the opposition TDP is yet to announce its candidate. With just weeks to go before the election, the district election machinery is in a state of confusion as to whether there will be an election at all.
As the Maharashtra Assembly Elections of 2024 near, campaigning is in full swing with parties vying for majority seats. However, police and a poll flying squad seized 2,700 ration kits containing campaign materials from an independent candidate in Nagpur, leading to a case being registered. This seizure shows the heightened competitiveness of the upcoming elections.
Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, condemns the current Pakistani government for undermining democracy and suppressing dissent. He criticizes the government for using unconstitutional means to protect their power grab, including censoring the media and seizing control of the Supreme Court. Khan calls on his party and the Pakistani people to fight for their rights and freedoms, declaring his willingness to face consequences for resistance.
In a press conference on Monday, the head of Japan's Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki, admitted to having an extramarital affair as reported in a magazine. The scandal has caused a stir in the country, especially since the party had recently gained more seats in parliament. Tamaki plans to listen to his peers' opinions before deciding whether to step down as head of the party, but he has stated that he has no intention of resigning as a lawmaker.
Former President Donald Trump voiced his support for Bitcoin at the 2024 conference in Nashville, Tennessee. He labeled the cryptocurrency as the future of currency, causing a surge in Bitcoin's value. This comes after Trump's recent praise for blockchain technology and his own involvement in the industry.
In an intense exchange of fire between police and suspected militants in Manipur, 10 people were killed, including a CRPF jawan, marking the highest number of fatalities in a single day this year. The incident occurred in the Jiribam district, close to the hills of the Hmar community, one of the tribes involved in the ongoing conflict in the state. The violence comes days after the killing of a woman from the Hmar community, with a group representing armed Hmars claiming that those killed in the exchange of fire were "village volunteers" retaliating against her death. The situation remains tense in the district, with indefinite prohibitory orders issued by the district administration.
Usha Chilukuri Vance has been thrust into the spotlight as her husband, JD Vance, joins the political arena as Vice President. Born in San Diego to Indian immigrants, she comes from a family of accomplished academics. Her impressive academic background and support for her husband make her a force to be reckoned with. However, Usha has largely remained out of the political limelight, focusing on her career and family.
On the afternoon of November 11, 2024, armed militants launched an attack on a CRPF post and nearby police station in Jiribam District, India. The security forces responded with strong retaliation, resulting in one injured CRPF constable named Sanjeev Kumar. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of militant attacks in the region and the bravery of security forces in defending against them.
As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, national leaders take a backseat as state leaders become the focal point of the political landscape. With marquee leaders like Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena and Devendra Fadnavis of BJP fighting for their own dominance, the role of regional leaders becomes crucial. Amidst this, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar faces the heat while Uddhav Thackeray struggles to establish himself as the real Shiv Sena leader. The Congress also adopts a localised strategy, leaving the NCP camp to rely on the master strategist, Sharad Pawar. With multiple factors at play, the Maharashtra elections have become a highly contested battle with each of the 288 constituencies being influenced by distinct issues.
Several shops belonging to the Meitei community were set ablaze by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur's Jiribam district, raising questions about the effectiveness of security forces. The attacks took place within close proximity of a police station, highlighting the urgent need for increased security measures to protect the local population. This incident is part of the ongoing violence in Manipur, which has caused displacement and destruction.