Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised serious concerns over India’s economic future and criticised several recent government actions during a speech at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting held in Ahmedabad.
Addressing party workers and leaders, Gandhi claimed that India is on the brink of a financial storm. He blamed the central government’s failure to respond to rising trade tensions with the United States and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of staying silent on key issues.
He questioned why PM Modi had not responded to the imposition of fresh tariffs by the US, despite his earlier close ties with former President Donald Trump.
Gandhi mocked the absence of the usual display of friendship between Modi and Trump during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the US.
Referring to their past public gestures, he said, “Did you see a photo of them hugging this time? No. Instead, Trump imposed tariffs, and Modi didn’t say a word. Then a two-day drama was staged in Parliament to distract the public from this reality.”
He went on to claim that a financial crisis is approaching the country and blamed the current government’s handling of the economy for this situation.
The Congress MP also strongly opposed the recently passed Waqf Act, calling it a direct attack on religious freedom and the Indian Constitution. He alleged that the BJP is planning a broader assault on minority communities, starting with Muslims and extending to Christians and Sikhs.
Gandhi said, “The new Waqf Bill is an assault on religious freedom. In the BJP’s publication 'Organiser', they clearly mentioned their intentions to go after Christian lands next and then those of Sikhs. We must understand that these are not isolated actions; they are part of a larger pattern.”
He stressed the Congress party’s commitment to protect the rights of all religions, languages, and communities, saying, “We want a country where everyone is respected, where every community feels that this land belongs to them.”
Another major issue raised by Gandhi during his speech was the need for a nationwide caste census. He said this was essential to ensure fair representation of Dalits, tribals, and backward communities.
Gandhi highlighted the Congress-led initiative in Telangana, where a caste census had already been implemented.
He said he had earlier asked PM Modi in Parliament to support a national caste census, but the request was rejected. According to Gandhi, the refusal came from both the Prime Minister and the RSS, who, he alleged, do not want to disclose the actual share of resources and representation going to marginalised groups.
“We asked who gets what share in this country and whether there is true respect for Dalits, tribals and backward classes. But the BJP doesn’t want to answer these questions. We will bring a caste census law in Parliament and ensure it is passed,” he stated firmly.
Gandhi also spoke about removing the 50 per cent limit on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). He promised that the Congress party would break down this barrier to allow more inclusive development for those who need it the most.
The AICC meeting in Ahmedabad was part of the Congress party’s broader strategy to re-engage with grassroots workers and highlight key issues in the run-up to future elections.
Rahul Gandhi’s speech offered a mix of criticism, policy proposals, and reassurances aimed at presenting the Congress as a strong alternative to the ruling BJP.
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