Will fight for reservation in private educational institutions: Rahul

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (May 15) vowed to keep fighting to force the government to enforce reservation in private educational institutions.

Further, he also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was compelled to accede to the demand of holding a case census fearing a public backlash. The Opposition was lending its voice to the public demand of a caste census in the country, he added.

Rahul made these statements while addressing students at the Congress' 'Shiksha Nyay Samvad' at the Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga in Bihar. Assembly elections are due in the state this year.

Rahul’s demand

"The Congress demands the extension of reservation to private educational institutions in the country,” he thundered.

“We will put pressure on the government regarding this... our fight will continue till it is achieved," he added.

Also read: Congress to use Jai Hind rallies to ‘demand answers’ from PM Modi

"This government is against Dalits, extremely backward classes, minorities and Adivasis," Rahul alleged. He asked the Modi government to follow the 'Telangana model' in conducting a nationwide caste census.

Breaching official ban

When Rahul reached Darbhanga, he was told by the police that he could not address the students as permission granted earlier had been revoked. But the Congress leader managed to enter the Ambedkar Hostel and addressed the students.

"As you all are aware, my car was stopped at the gate (of Mithila University). But I did not relent. I got out and took a circuitous route to reach here on foot," said the Rae Bareli MP to PTI.

Also read: Caste census: Congress steps up efforts to own narrative, deny political mileage to BJP

In his speech, Rahul said: “The Bihar Police tried to stop me but couldn't as the youth of the country are behind me.”

The fact that Rahul was not given permission to hold the event triggered a furious response from the Congress, which turned down the suggestion to organise the programme at an alternative venue.

Also Read: Wasn’t there during Congress ‘mistakes’ but happy to take responsibility: Rahul

Modi fears popular backlash

Rahul told the students that the Bihar government failed to stop him from reaching the venue as he is backed by energy embodied by youths like them. “It is the same energy before which Narendra Modi had to bow. We told Modi you shall touch the Constitution with your head and he ended up doing so. We had also told him you will have to hold a caste census. On both occasions, Modi acceded to the demands out of fear of a backlash from you people," said Rahul.

Also read: What triggered Modi govt's surprise decision on caste census?

Govt serving corporates

He further alleged that the BJP government at the Centre was serving the interests of major corporates like Ambani and Adani while Dalits, OBCs and tribals are being denied a say in all the spheres of the society.

"But the fact remains that his government serves the interests of Ambani, Adani and their ilk. The system is working for the benefit of five per cent of the population. Dalits, OBCs and tribals have no say, be it in the government, the corporate world or even the media," said Rahul.

He urged the youngsters to not get distracted and remain focused on three demands – an effective caste census on the lines of the survey conducted in (Congress-ruled) Telangana, reservations in private colleges and universities and release of funds allocated to the sub-plan for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

"You can expect little from the NDA. But rest assured that your interests will be taken care of when we come to power, be it in Bihar or at the Centre," he added.

The crowd responded to Rahul with chants of 'Jai Bhim' when, towards the end of his speech, he held aloft a portrait of Dr B R Ambedkar.

(With input from agencies)