"Prime Minister Modi Slams Congress for Religion-Based Reservation in Karnataka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vehemently denounced the Karnataka government's decision to include the Muslim community in the state OBC (Other Backward Class) list, accusing the Congress party of a nefarious plan to implement similar measures nationwide. Addressing an election rally in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Modi asserted that Congress's actions have infringed upon the rights of the OBC community and endangered their future prospects.
The Prime Minister underscored the constitutional prohibition against religious-based reservations, citing the steadfast opposition of Babasaheb Ambedkar to such practices. He highlighted Congress's earlier attempts to introduce religious reservations and condemned their ongoing efforts to mislead the public and pursue their own agenda.
Modi labeled Congress the "prime enemy of OBCs" and emphasized the imperative for the BJP to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to safeguard reservations for Other Backward Class, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. His remarks follow criticism from the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) regarding the Karnataka government's decision, which the commission asserted violates principles of social justice.
In 2023, the Congress-led government in Karnataka categorized all Muslim castes and communities in the state as OBCs under Category II-B, granting them reservation benefits in employment and educational institutions. Modi alleged that Congress had promised religion-based reservations in their election manifestos for the 2009 and 2014 polls.
"Congress intends to diminish the 15% quota reserved for SC, ST, and OBCs, replacing it with religious-based reservations," Modi declared. He extended his criticism to Congress-led governments in other states, accusing them of practicing appeasement politics.
Modi cited a recent statement by Telangana Chief Minister regarding Muslim reservations and accused Congress of being willing to resort to any measure to appease their vote base. He warned of a potential law that could confiscate excess properties owned by individuals, depriving them of the fruits of their labor.
The Prime Minister emphasized the introduction of religion-based reservations in Andhra Pradesh during the previous Congress-led government at the Centre. "Congress's actions in Karnataka serve as a cautionary tale for OBC communities across the country," Modi warned.
Inheritance Tax Concerns
Modi further criticized Congress over the controversial remarks made by Sam Pitroda, who advocated for an inheritance tax. He alleged that Congress aims to seize the assets and rights of citizens and accused the party of lacking an understanding of India's family values.
"Congress's motto is to loot throughout one's life and even after death," Modi quipped. He condemned the proposed inheritance tax, accusing Congress of intending to confiscate half of an individual's hard-earned property for distribution to their children.
Prime Minister Modi's scathing remarks have sparked a political firestorm and ignited a debate on issues of social justice, religious reservations, and inheritance taxes in India."
