Prime Minister Modi's Campaign Speech in Bihar
In a campaign speech delivered in Bihar on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). He claimed that Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, would have never agreed to these reservations if it weren't for B.R. Ambedkar.
Modi also spoke about his own legacy, stating that he has no heir or inheritance to bestow except the people of the country. He said, "Modi is such a person who has no inheritance. You are my inheritance, and you are my heir. I have no other heir." This statement came just days after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal predicted that Modi would retire at 75 and be succeeded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Reservations for SCs and STs
On the topic of reservations, Modi claimed that Nehru was against quotas, citing letters written by Nehru to the then chief ministers of India. He accused the Congress party of consistently opposing reservations and neglecting SCs, STs, and OBCs (Other Backward Classes) throughout their rule. He further accused the Opposition of spreading falsehoods about the BJP's intention to scrap quotas if they returned to power with a large majority.
Women's Conference in Varanasi
Later in the day, Modi addressed a women's conference in his Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. He claimed that women were neglected during the rule of the Congress and Samajwadi Party governments in the state.
Arvind Kejriwal's Response
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, at a public meeting in Jamshedpur, criticized Modi's stance on reservations and his treatment of tribal communities. He accused Modi of being "anti-tribal" and putting Hemant Soren, the "tallest tribal leader of the country," in jail. He also alleged that the BJP is seeking 400 seats in the upcoming elections to stop the reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs.