NEW DELHI, Sept 25: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday reaffirmed the party’s commitment to securing full rights for Bihar’s backward communities, asserting that the Mahagathbandhan will remain undeterred by what he described as “lies and distractions” from the BJP. Speaking a day after launching the ‘Ati Pichhda Nyay Sankalp’ (Pledge for Justice to Extremely Backward Classes), Gandhi emphasized that the extremely backward classes (EBCs), Dalits, tribals, minorities, and other backward communities must receive their full constitutional and social rights.
During the event in Patna, Gandhi outlined a series of measures aimed at improving education, social justice, and economic opportunities for marginalized groups. Key proposals include implementing reservations in private schools and colleges for SC/ST/OBC/EBC children, ensuring fair appointments by ending the “Not Found Suitable” practice, and introducing an EBC Prevention of Atrocities Act modeled on the SC/ST Act.
Gandhi also promised increased representation of EBCs in local bodies and panchayats from 20% to 30%, and a 50% quota for SCs, STs, OBCs, and EBCs in government contracts up to Rs 25 crore and admissions in private educational institutions. Additionally, landless families from deprived castes will receive three decimals of land in urban areas and five decimals in rural regions.
Addressing the audience alongside Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Mahagathbandhan allies including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Gandhi said, “Education is the greatest means of progress. This is not just a fight for education, but a fight for equality and respect for the extremely backward communities. This is the guarantee of true social justice and equitable development.”
The Congress leader’s outreach aims to consolidate the support of EBCs, who make up 36% of Bihar’s population according to the state’s caste survey, ahead of the forthcoming assembly elections.