Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of trying to deprive tribals in Jharkhand of their fundamental rights to ‘Jal, Jungle, Jameen’ (water, forest, and land). Addressing a rally in the poll-bound state at Simdega on Friday, Gandhi criticized the BJP for its approach toward the tribals, claiming that the party believes the land, forests, and water belong to it, the RSS, and capitalists, rather than to the tribal communities. “PM Modi calls you ‘vanvasi’ (forest dwellers) because the BJP believes these resources belong to them, and under the guise of ‘development,’ they want to grab your land and your rights,” Gandhi said. He further stressed that the BJP’s actions are an attempt to take away the very resources that tribal communities depend on for their survival.

Gandhi also reiterated his long-standing claim that the Constitution is under continuous attack from the BJP, and called for collective efforts to protect it. “The Constitution is under constant attack, and it needs to be safeguarded. The Congress and the INDIA alliance are committed to defending it,” Gandhi asserted. This remark highlights the ongoing political divide between the Congress and BJP, with Gandhi accusing the ruling party of undermining the Constitution’s fundamental principles.

In addition to his criticism of the BJP, Gandhi made a significant promise regarding reservations. He vowed to remove the 50% cap on reservations, a move that has been a point of contention in Indian politics for years. Gandhi pledged that, if the Congress-led alliance comes to power, it would increase the reservation for Scheduled Tribes from 26% to 28%, for Scheduled Castes from 10% to 12%, and for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 14% to 27%. “We will raise the reservation for the tribal community, the Dalits, and the backward classes, as they are entitled to it,” said Gandhi, signaling the party’s intent to ensure greater social equity and upliftment of marginalized groups.

Gandhi’s remarks at the rally were aimed at mobilizing support for the Congress and its allies in the upcoming Jharkhand elections, positioning the party as a protector of the rights of tribals and marginalized communities against the alleged encroachments of the BJP.