Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Patna on Saturday to participate in the Constitution Defense Conference held at Bapu Sabhagar. The visit, marked by significant political undertones, included a meeting with Bihar’s Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav at Hotel Maurya before Rahul Gandhi addressed a gathering on issues surrounding caste census, social justice, and the state of democracy in India.
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi called for a caste-based census, comparing it to an X-ray or MRI that reveals the true socio-economic conditions of the country. He emphasized the need for policymaking based on accurate population data and representation in institutions, vowing to break the 50% ceiling on reservations. Highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities, he pointed out the lack of power held by Dalit and tribal Members of Parliament within the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that many feel “caged” under the current system.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, asserting that Dalits, minorities, and tribal communities find little representation in India’s largest corporations. He alleged that the narrative in media and public discourse is controlled by a handful of companies, which focus on agendas that ignore the struggles of farmers, the unemployed, and the poor. Recalling his visit to All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Gaya, he spoke of patients waiting in poverty near metro stations, unable to afford private healthcare.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party leader had previously talked about changing the Constitution but later invoked it symbolically. He accused the government of undermining constitutional values and shifting the nation’s wealth into the hands of two or three individuals. Rahul Gandhi also criticized Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat for comments questioning India’s independence in 1947, claiming that such remarks deny the Constitution’s significance.
The conference began with the resounding slogans of “Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” as participants rallied in support of constitutional values. Earlier in the day, Congress Bihar president Akhilesh Prasad Singh and other senior leaders welcomed Rahul Gandhi with flowers at Patna Airport. Rahul Gandhi later addressed party workers and inaugurated renovated employee quarters at Sadaqat Ashram, the state Congress headquarters.
Rahul Gandhi’s collaboration with Tejashwi Yadav has sparked speculation of a major political development in Bihar. His efforts to strengthen the Congress and align it with allies signal a broader strategy to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government ahead of upcoming elections.
