Congress wants census of backward classes as it will help in taking steps for their welfare: Kharge

Congress leader Kharge slams PM Modi for accusing party of trying to divide country. He demands census of backward classes to reveal details of their status and help in welfare measures. Accuses BJP/RSS of anti-women ideology, calls for women's reservation bill to be implemented. Criticizes PM for lying, says people are aware and his "game" won't last. Congress' guarantee is to create employment and hike support price for farmers.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on October 4 said his party wants a census of the backward classes as the move will provide exact details about their status and help in taking measures for their welfare.

He slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accusing the Congress of trying to divide the country and said his "game" will not continue in 2024 as people of the country have become aware.

Addressing the Chhattisgarh Congress Government's 'Bharose ka Sammelan' event in Kodtarari village of Raigarh district, Mr. Kharge also accused the BJP and the RSS of having "anti-women ideology", and said if the saffron party is concerned about women, backward classes and the poor, it should implement the legislation on women's reservation now.

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They (BJP) say the Congress had opposed the women's reservation Bill. Who brought amendments (to the Constitution) and ensured reservation for women in panchayat bodies? It was the Congress, he said.

Be it the Jan Sangh, BJP or RSS, their ideology has been "anti-women", Mr. Kharge alleged. They don’t want women to come forward, he said.

If they are concerned about women, backward classes and the poor, they should implement the legislation on women's reservation in the existing strength of Parliament, he said, claiming it will not be implemented before 2034.