Congress leader Udit Raj on Saturday drew a bold parallel between Rahul Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating that if the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) understand and support Gandhi’s recent statements on caste census and social justice, he could emerge as the “second Ambedkar” for them.
Speaking to ANI, Raj said, “Caste census in Telangana is an X-ray of society. Rahul Gandhi wants to implement this nationwide. If OBCs understand his message, he will prove to be the second Ambedkar for them.”
He added that history doesn’t offer repeated opportunities, urging the OBC community to rally behind Gandhi’s agenda. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he reiterated, “OBCs must not miss this moment. Support Rahul Gandhi’s stand, and he will become the second Ambedkar for backward classes.”
The remarks come after Rahul Gandhi, speaking at the ‘Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan’ in Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium on Friday, acknowledged that not conducting a caste census during the UPA rule was a mistake—one he now intends to correct.
He admitted that while the Congress had done well on issues related to Dalits, tribals, and women, the OBC community had been overlooked. Gandhi said, “I didn’t understand the OBC issues deeply back then. That was my mistake, but I am committed to correcting it now.”
Gandhi also highlighted how 90% of India’s population—Dalits, tribals, OBCs, and minorities—remains excluded from decision-making processes, including those related to the Union Budget.
Backing Gandhi’s remarks, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge renewed the party’s demand for a nationwide caste census and removal of the 50% cap on reservations. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of denying backward communities their rightful representation.
“Only when OBCs come to power will their voice be truly heard,” Kharge declared, reinforcing the Congress’s renewed focus on social equity and inclusive governance.