“People should ask Kejriwal if he supports reservations for backward classes and his stance on a caste census,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Seelampur, New Delhi, on January 13, 2025.
Gandhi’s Promise for Equality and Representation
Addressing his first public meeting for the Delhi Assembly elections, Mr. Gandhi pledged that the Congress would conduct a caste census in the National Capital if voted to power. “We want equality and participation (‘bhaagidaari’) for the poor and minorities,” he said, adding that the party would also work to increase the reservation cap for marginalized communities.
Mr. Gandhi criticized Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach of “propaganda and false promises.”
“Kejriwal promised a corruption-free, clean Delhi and claimed he would transform the city into Paris. Instead, corruption, pollution, and inflation have only worsened,” said Mr. Gandhi.
Targeting the Opposition
The Congress leader drew parallels between PM Modi and Mr. Kejriwal, stating, “Modi and Kejriwal are alike; both make hollow promises and have failed to deliver on key issues. Neither of them supports a caste census because they don’t want backward classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities to receive their rightful share (‘bhaagidaari’).”
He emphasized that the Congress is committed to conducting a caste census and removing the reservation cap in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha if it comes to power at the national level.
Criticism of Governance and Call for Change
Mr. Gandhi accused the AAP and BJP governments of failing to address the needs of marginalized communities and ensuring fair resource distribution. He urged voters to support Congress, highlighting the developmental achievements of Sheila Dikshit’s government in the past.
“Neither Kejriwal nor the BJP can replicate what the Congress accomplished for Delhi,” he asserted.
Battle of Ideologies
Framing the election as a larger ideological struggle, Mr. Gandhi said, “The Constitution declares that India belongs to everyone, yet BJP-RSS spreads hatred and division. They attack the Constitution daily. We walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to defend it.”
He pledged to protect all Indians—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians—from any form of assault, stating, “As long as I am alive, I will stand against this hatred.”
Congress’ Struggles in Delhi
The rise of the AAP has diminished Congress’ presence in Delhi’s political landscape, leaving it without a single seat in the last two Assembly elections. However, Mr. Gandhi remains confident that Congress can reclaim its position and bring meaningful change to Delhi if given the chance.
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