Fri Nov 08 20:43:00 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Congress Accuses BJP of Inciting Caste Tensions Ahead of Assembly Elections

**MUMBAI, November 9, 2024** – Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has accused the BJP of exploiting caste divisions for political gain ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. In a scathing press conference on Friday, Patole responded to remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the first day of campaigning for the elections.

Patole claimed that the BJP’s ideology is inherently based on a caste-based hierarchy and that they are responsible for inciting tensions between communities. He accused the BJP of mocking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who he said was a champion of democracy and the Constitution, and of disrespecting Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution.

Regarding the BJP’s accusations against the Congress regarding reservation policies, Patole argued that it was the BJP who had opposed the Mandal Commission recommendations and subsequently removed political reservations for OBCs. He further alleged that the BJP has deliberately sown discord amongst different communities, including Marathas, OBCs, Dhangars, Adivasis, and Halbas, while pretending to champion reservation.

Patole also criticized the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine reservation by selling off public companies and directly appointing RSS-affiliated youth to government positions without conducting proper examinations. He pointed to a recent incident where a BJP leader made offensive remarks against the Kunbi community in the presence of other BJP leaders without any action being taken.

In conclusion, Patole accused the BJP of attempting to incite religious conflicts through slogans such as ‘Batenge to Katenge’ and questioned their commitment to the rights of Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities. He dismissed the BJP’s claim that the Congress is no longer a national party as “childish and ridiculous” and highlighted the BJP’s own reliance on support from other parties in different states.

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