Sonia Gandhi has fiercely attempted to propel Rahul Gandhi's campaign for a caste census. Just as Rahul Gandhi urges the central government for a caste-based census, Sonia has discovered a similar approach with the national census.
Rahul Gandhi aims to target the vast population of the backward class to benefit from government amenities through caste census, while Sonia plans similarly with the Food Security Act. After all, the credit for such legislation goes to the Congress-led UPA government.
While the central government claims credit for distributing free food to the needy, Sonia insists that the benefits Congress aimed to provide are still not reaching the people. This is because, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government hasn't facilitated the census.
Strengthening Rahul's Position
Congress's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi coined the phrase 'eliminate poverty,' a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Modi's welfare narratives.
Sonia Gandhi aims to critique the BJP and Modi government's claims of welfare succeed just as BJP had critiqued Arvind Kejriwal's free scheme claims in Delhi.
Similarly, as BJP claims that it's the genuine ally of the poor, Sonia tries to highlight that the rations given by the government are indeed legacies of Congress rule, yet the current BJP government isn't ensuring all deserving individuals receive this help.
Sonia accuses the Modi and the BJP government of stalling the census process, further blaming them for the delay. In Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi emphasized that food security is no privilege but a fundamental right.
Targeting the central government, Sonia points out that post-independence, it's the first time there's a four-year delay in the census. It was due in 2021, yet there's no clarity, and budget allocations suggest it might not happen this year either.
She emphasized that the Food Security Act, introduced by the Congress's UPA government, was to prevent millions of vulnerable families from starving. During the COVID crisis, it was the backbone for the Prime Minister's Garib Kalyan Yojana.
Sonia explains that the current beneficiaries’ quota is still based on the 2011 census data, despite more than a decade passing by.
Congress Focuses on Major Voting Population
Post-Lok Sabha elections, with Rahul Gandhi as the leader of the opposition, he seems more vested in political matters. Despite earlier claims of disinterest in political power, his focus appears to have shifted.
Encouraged by Rahul's political commitment, Sonia seems more trusting. Through the Delhi campaign, Rahul has showcased a visionary approach. Dependencies that once lay with regional parties, Congress is now willing to tread independently, even if losses occur. Congress's stance isn't expected to change come Bihar elections.
In Bihar, Rahul terms the state government's caste survey as fake, promising Congress will conduct it accurately if elected. As he works to reconnect the OBC populace with Congress, Sonia is endeavoring to further the cause in her own manner, standing side by side with old Congress voters.
