Amit Shah criticises Congress on reservation policy: 'Rahul baba, we won't let you...'
PTC News Desk: Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a sharp critique of the Congress and National Conference (NC) leadership over their position on reservation policies, particularly for marginalised communities such as the Paharis, Gujjars, and Dalits. During a rally in Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir, Shah assured the public that the government would protect and uphold reservations for these communities, dismissing any attempts to alter them.
Shah specifically referenced a statement by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the United States, where Gandhi allegedly remarked that the Pahari community no longer required reservations. Shah condemned this position, accusing Congress and the NC of plotting to eliminate the existing reservation system for underprivileged groups.
“Congress and NC have stated that they will reconsider the reservation status granted to the Pahari, Gujjar Bakarwal, Dalit, Valmiki, and OBC communities," Shah said. "Rahul Gandhi goes to America and says that these communities have now developed and no longer need reservations. Rahul Baba, we will not allow you to strip away their rights.”
In a firm rebuttal, Shah reiterated that reservations for these communities would remain intact under the current government. He also rejected NC president Farooq Abdullah’s calls to reinstate Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir before its revocation in 2019. "No one can bring Article 370 back," Shah asserted.
Shah also addressed the issue of terrorism in the region, promising a stringent stance against insurgency. He vowed that under the Modi government, no stone pelter or terrorist would be released in Jammu and Kashmir. "We will not negotiate with Pakistan until terrorism is completely eradicated," he declared, emphasizing that the government would engage with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir—whom he referred to as "lions"—rather than with Pakistan.
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The Home Minister lambasted the NC-Congress alliance for allegedly supporting the release of terrorists and those involved in violent protests, including stone pelting. Responding to Farooq Abdullah's recent remarks suggesting that terrorism could re-emerge in the Jammu region, Shah confidently proclaimed that terrorism would be buried "deep inside the earth."
In a bid to reassure the region's border residents, Shah highlighted the construction of underground bunkers by the government as a precautionary measure. However, he expressed optimism that these bunkers would soon be unnecessary, as the Modi government’s strong border policies would prevent any attacks from across the border. “If they fire a bullet, we will respond with a shell," Shah warned, underlining the government's commitment to safeguarding national security and border integrity.
The rally underscored Shah’s message that the BJP government would continue to prioritize the welfare of marginalized communities and maintain a tough stance on national security, refusing to yield to pressures from opposition parties or external forces.
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- With inputs from agencies
