PM Modi Speaks in Rajya Sabha, Castigates Opposition Over Creating Caste Divide

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, accusing opposition parties of attempting to spread caste-based divisions in society. He highlighted the historic role of his government in granting constitutional status to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Commission, a demand that he claimed had been ignored by the Congress for years. 

Speaking in Rajya Sabha, PM Modi says, " Today, attempts are being made to spread caste poison in the society...For many years, OBC MPs from all parties had been demanding constitutional status for the OBC Panel. But their demand was rejected, as it might not have suited their… pic.twitter.com/1kMIm57HOJ

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2025

Allegations of Political Hindrance in OBC Panel Recognition

PM Modi pointed out that OBC Members of Parliament (MPs) from all parties had long sought constitutional status for the OBC Commission, but their appeals were allegedly rejected by previous governments due to political considerations.

"For many years, OBC MPs from all parties had been demanding constitutional status for the OBC Panel. But their demand was rejected, as it might not have suited their (Congress) politics. But we gave constitutional status to this panel," Modi asserted during his speech.

Charge of Caste Politics Against Congress

The Prime Minister accused the opposition of using caste-based politics for electoral gains and warned against the spread of caste divisions in Indian society. He claimed that his government had worked towards empowering OBCs and other marginalized communities by addressing their longstanding demands.

"Today, attempts are being made to spread caste poison in society," he cautioned, without naming specific opposition leaders.

BJP’s Focus on OBC Welfare

PM Modi emphasized that his government had undertaken numerous initiatives for the welfare of OBCs, including better representation in government jobs, educational institutions, and policy-making bodies. The granting of constitutional status to the OBC Commission was seen as a major step towards institutionalizing OBC rights.

Political Reactions and Debate

Following the speech, opposition leaders dismissed the allegations and accused the BJP of playing its own brand of divisive politics. The debate over caste-based reservations, political representation, and social justice is expected to remain a major issue in the upcoming elections.