"Participation, not just representation": Rahul Gandhi criticises BJP, calls for Dalit empowerment in power structure

Patna (Bihar) [India], February 5 (ANI): Lok Sabha Leader of Oppostion, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing them of tokenism in Dalit representation. He claimed that while Dalits are being given representation, they are being denied any real power in decision-making processes.
During the programme in Patna on the occasion of Jaglal Choudhary Jayanti, he pointed out, making Dalits sit on the stage has no meaning if the decisions are made from behind the stage.
"In India's power structure today, whether it is education, health, corporate, business, judiciary, how much is your participation?... Dalits have been given representation but it means nothing if there is no participation in the power structure. Making you sit on the stage has no meaning if the decisions are made from behind the stage. Today, it has become a fashion to give tickets to people from different castes, PM Modi also says this. But then, you (PM Modi) snatched the powers of the MLAs. Even the Lok Sabha MPs have no power to make any decisions. You made ministers but the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) is from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The question is about control and participation...," he said.
Rahul Gandhi further emphasized the lack of representation and participation of Dalits in various sectors, including healthcare. He questioned why hospitals are being built in the names of Adani and Ambani, but not in the names of Dalit leaders. He pointed out the stark contrast between the privileges enjoyed by corporate giants like Adani and Ambani, who receive government land and resources to build hospitals, and the absence of institutions dedicated to Dalits.
"All the hospitals built by Adani and Ambani are given government land and resources. But tell me, which hospital has been built in the name of Dalits? Yesterday in Parliament, I gave a speech focusing on two main issues: first, the need for a tech and mobility revolution, and second, the importance of participation and caste census. Despite the Prime Minister's 1.5-hour reply, he didn't mention the caste census even once. The BJP doesn't want a caste census, but I want to raise this issue and make it clear that Dalits are not given a fair share of participation anywhere. Once the data is available, it will become clear, and Dalits and Adivasis will understand the situation. This will lead to a new kind of politics."
He also emphasised the significance of the importance of the Indian Constitution and warning against the BJP's alleged attempts to undermine it.
"I know the Delhi election is important, but this function is also crucial. After casting my vote, I came here directly. The Constitution, crafted by our Dalit leader Dr Ambedkar, is a testament to our rights. It is this Constitution that guarantees participation for all. However, the BJP is working to undermine the Constitution, which is something we cannot allow," he said. (ANI)