Washington, D.C.: Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, made waves during his U.S. tour with a thought-provoking address at Georgetown University, where he touched on India’s reservation system and broader issues of social justice. Speaking to a packed auditorium of students, Gandhi emphasized the importance of fairness before contemplating any changes to the reservation policy.
When asked about the future of reservations in India, a hotly debated issue, Gandhi responded candidly. “The Congress party will consider the possibility of ending reservations only when there is true fairness in India. Right now, we are far from achieving that,” he remarked. His comments came in response to a question from a student who asked how long reservations would continue in the country.
Gandhi outlined the stark inequalities that persist in Indian society, providing a detailed breakdown of the economic disparity faced by marginalized groups. “If you look at the financial data, out of every 100 rupees, Adivasis receive just 10 paise, Dalits get around five rupees, and other backward classes (OBCs) receive about the same. The reality is that these communities are not getting proper representation or participation in the economy,” he stated.
His analysis of India’s top business leaders was equally blunt: “Look at the list of every single business leader in India. Show me an Adivasi name. Show me a Dalit name. Show me an OBC name. Among the top 200 business leaders, I think only one is an OBC, even though they represent 50% of the population. This is the problem 90% of India’s population is not being allowed to participate.”
A Call for Systemic Change
While he acknowledged that reservation alone isn’t the solution, Gandhi stressed that India must address systemic inequality. “The problem isn’t just reservations; it’s the entire structure. We need to dramatically increase the supply of opportunities and decentralize power. Governance should involve more people, especially from marginalized communities.”
Gandhi also addressed concerns from upper-caste individuals who feel penalized by the reservation system. “There are many people from upper castes who ask, ‘What have we done wrong? Why are we being punished?’ My response is simple: Open the doors. The solution isn’t to block others, but to increase opportunities for everyone.”
In a candid moment, he added, “Let’s be honest none of you here are likely to become the next Adani or Ambani. And it’s not because of lack of talent; it’s because the doors are closed.”
On Uniform Civil Code: “We Will Comment When BJP’s Proposal Is Clear”
When questioned about the BJP’s push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Gandhi took a more cautious approach. “We haven’t seen the BJP’s proposal yet. We don’t know what they are talking about. There’s no point in commenting until they bring it forward. Once we have the details, we will give our opinion.”
Coalition Politics and the Future of ‘India’ Alliance
Gandhi also shed light on the dynamics within the opposition alliance, now called ‘India’. While admitting there are differences among the coalition members, he stressed that the core principles unite them. “We all agree on one thing: The Constitution of India must be protected. Most of us are aligned on the importance of a caste census and believe that two industrialists Adani and Ambani shouldn’t dominate every sector of the economy.”
Gandhi downplayed concerns about potential rifts within the alliance, drawing on past experience. “In every coalition, there are differences. It’s natural. We’ve run successful governments before in coalition, and we are confident we can do it again.”
Conclusion: A Vision for a More Inclusive India
Rahul Gandhi’s address at Georgetown University underscored his commitment to addressing the deep-rooted inequalities in Indian society. His call for fairness before any discussions of ending reservations, combined with his appeal for systemic reform, paints a picture of a leader focused on creating a more inclusive and equitable India. As India prepares for the next election cycle, Gandhi’s words signal the Congress party’s broader vision for the country’s future.
