Congress MP Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy on Tuesday after claiming that “10 per cent of India’s population controls the Army,” referring to the so-called upper castes. Addressing a rally in Aurangabad, Bihar, ahead of the Assembly elections, Gandhi alleged that the same 10 per cent also dominate the corporate sector, bureaucracy, and judiciary, leaving the remaining 90 per cent — including backward classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities — “outside the system.”
Reiterating his demand for a national caste census, Gandhi said such data was crucial to ensure equal representation and protect constitutional rights. This marked the first time he linked the Army to his caste-based arguments.
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The BJP criticised his comments, calling them divisive and disrespectful towards the armed forces.
This is not the first time Gandhi has courted controversy over his remarks about the Army. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court had rebuked him for statements regarding India-China border issues and alleged defamation of the Army.
