NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday hit back at Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi over his comments on reservation, questioning whether Dhankhar supports Rahul's demand for the removal of the 50% cap on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Congress’s retort comes after Vice President Dhankhar had earlier attacked Rahul, saying that such comments by a person holding a constitutional post show an " anti-constitutional mindset ."
Speaking at a public event in Mumbai, Dhankar said, "A person from a constitutional post saying on foreign soil that reservation should be ended underscores the same anti-constitutional mindset. The baton of prejudices against reservation has been handed over. It is the same old anti-constitutional mindset."
Dhankhar further highlighted that India's Constitution needs greater awareness, cautioning that some have "forgotten its soul."
“Reservation is not against meritocracy,” Dhankhar added, underscoring its significance as a "soul of the country and the Constitution." He added that reservation policies are a form of affirmative action that "handholds" marginalized communities, rather than depriving others of opportunities.
Congress was quick to respond to Dhankhar’s criticism, turning the tables on the vice president and questioning his stance on the issue.
Pawan Khera, head of the party’s media and publicity department, took to X, "Mr Rahul Gandhi has demanded removal of the 50% limit on reservations for SC/STs & OBCs. Do you support this demand of the Congress, Mr @VPIndia?"
The exchange follows Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks during his visit to the United States, where he commented on the potential future of reservations. Rahul had said the Congress party would consider removing reservations only "when India is a fair place," implying that the current system is necessary given prevailing inequalities.
Later clarifying his statement, Rahul said that he was misquoted and reiterated his stance: "We are going to increase reservations beyond 50 per cent."
Congress’s retort comes after Vice President Dhankhar had earlier attacked Rahul, saying that such comments by a person holding a constitutional post show an " anti-constitutional mindset ."
Speaking at a public event in Mumbai, Dhankar said, "A person from a constitutional post saying on foreign soil that reservation should be ended underscores the same anti-constitutional mindset. The baton of prejudices against reservation has been handed over. It is the same old anti-constitutional mindset."
Dhankhar further highlighted that India's Constitution needs greater awareness, cautioning that some have "forgotten its soul."
“Reservation is not against meritocracy,” Dhankhar added, underscoring its significance as a "soul of the country and the Constitution." He added that reservation policies are a form of affirmative action that "handholds" marginalized communities, rather than depriving others of opportunities.
Congress was quick to respond to Dhankhar’s criticism, turning the tables on the vice president and questioning his stance on the issue.
Pawan Khera, head of the party’s media and publicity department, took to X, "Mr Rahul Gandhi has demanded removal of the 50% limit on reservations for SC/STs & OBCs. Do you support this demand of the Congress, Mr @VPIndia?"
The exchange follows Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks during his visit to the United States, where he commented on the potential future of reservations. Rahul had said the Congress party would consider removing reservations only "when India is a fair place," implying that the current system is necessary given prevailing inequalities.
Later clarifying his statement, Rahul said that he was misquoted and reiterated his stance: "We are going to increase reservations beyond 50 per cent."
