At a rally held in Delhi’s Seelampur on January 15, 2025, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took aim at both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal. He criticized their stance on key issues like the caste census and their alleged inaction on issues concerning billionaires like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani.
Caste Census and Allegations Against Modi and Kejriwal
Addressing a large gathering, Gandhi accused both Modi and Kejriwal of avoiding the topic of the caste census, which he claimed was crucial for ensuring the rights of backward classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities.
“When I raise the issue of the caste census, neither Modi nor Kejriwal say a word. Both seem unwilling to support the idea, as it would empower the underprivileged sections of society,” Gandhi stated.
He further alleged that both leaders prioritize the interests of billionaires over the needs of ordinary citizens. “Ambani and Adani are controlling the country’s resources while the poor suffer. Modi promotes them through propaganda, and Kejriwal has not uttered a single word against them,” he added.
Kejriwal Responds to Gandhi’s Criticism
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal responded sharply to Gandhi’s accusations. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kejriwal said, “Rahul Gandhi ji came to Delhi and criticized me a lot. However, my fight is not against Congress but to save the country.”
Criticism of Kejriwal’s Governance
Rahul Gandhi didn’t hold back while criticizing Kejriwal’s governance in Delhi. He accused the AAP leader of adopting Modi’s strategies of propaganda and false promises, pointing out rising pollution, corruption, and inflation in the city.
“Kejriwal promised to turn Delhi into Paris and eradicate corruption. But today, pollution is at an all-time high, and people are struggling with inflation and sickness. What happened to those promises?” Gandhi questioned.
He further added that Congress would ensure the development of Delhi, as seen during Sheila Dikshit’s tenure. “Neither BJP nor AAP can replicate the work Congress did under Sheila Dikshit’s government,” he asserted.
Congress’s Commitment to Equality and Justice
Gandhi emphasized Congress’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of religion or caste. He promised a caste survey in Delhi if Congress is elected and reiterated the party’s stance on increasing reservation caps in Parliament.
“We believe every citizen, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to dream big and succeed. Our fight is against the divisive ideology of BJP and RSS,” he said.
“Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” Theme
The rally was themed “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan,” highlighting the values of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of attacking the Constitution and spreading hatred.
“Our Constitution ensures equality for all. BJP-RSS are attacking this daily. During our Bharat Jodo Yatra, we walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to protect the Constitution and fight their divisive ideology,” he stated.
A Call for Support
Gandhi concluded the rally by urging voters to support Congress in the upcoming elections. “If you want development, justice, and a government that stands by you in times of need, vote for Congress,” he appealed to the crowd.
This rally marked Congress’s first major event in Delhi as it prepares for the February 5 assembly elections, where it will compete separately from its INDIA bloc ally, AAP.
