Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the INDIA bloc of engaging in “vote bank politics” and criticized opposition parties for undermining the constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). In an exclusive interview with ANI, Modi emphasized the importance of reservation in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the need to protect the rights of marginalized communities and uphold constitutional principles.
Modi explained and alerted, “I want to alert the SC, ST, OBC, and other backward-class people because by keeping them in darkness, they are looting them.” He argued that the opposition, claiming to be the well-wishers of Dalits and Tribals, are actually their “staunch enemies.” He added, “I will fight for the rights of my Dalit, Tribal, OBC brothers and sisters. And that’s why I’m fighting the battle.”
The Prime Minister accused the opposition of converting educational institutions into minority institutions, thus eliminating reservations. He cited the example of Jamia Millia University in Delhi, which was designated a minority institution, resulting in the loss of reservations and affecting admissions and jobs. He revealed that around 10,000 such institutions have been removed from the reach of SC, ST, and OBC protections.
Modi expressed concern about the Congress party’s stance on reservations, particularly after they released their manifesto, ‘Nyay Patra,’ on April 5, which proposed a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 percent cap on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs. He criticized the Congress for suggesting quotas for minorities in sports and government tenders, arguing that such policies would harm hardworking individuals from other communities.
The Prime Minister also pointed out the opposition’s attempts to give OBC status to all Muslim castes in Andhra Pradesh, which was rejected by the Supreme Court and High Court. He criticized the opposition for abusing the judiciary and refusing to comply with court decisions for the sake of vote bank politics.
With six phases of the Lok Sabha elections completed, the final phase will be held on June 1, covering 57 constituencies in 8 states. The election results will be declared on June 4.