PM Modi Vows to Protect SC, ST, OBC Quotas

In a fiery campaign speech at Pali village in Mahendragarh district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fired a broadside at the opposition alliance, accusing them of harbouring sinister designs to undermine the constitutional rights of marginalised communities. Addressing a massive gathering, Modi declared himself the "chowkidar" (guardian) of the reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), vowing to safeguard their quota rights against alleged attempts by the Congress and its allies to divert these benefits to the Muslim community.

"The reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs is their adhikar (right), and Modi is the chowkidar of this adhikar," thundered the Prime Minister, accusing the opposition alliance, dubbed the 'INDIA bloc,' of engaging in politics of communalism, casteism, and dynasty. He alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, an ally of the INDIA bloc, had diverted OBC reservation to illegal immigrants belonging to the minority community, further claiming that the opposition alliance wanted Muslims to have the first claim on the country's resources. 

Striking a chord with the local audience, Modi greeted the gathering with the Haryanavi phrase "Ram-Ram bhai sareya ne," eliciting a rousing response from the crowd. He playfully praised the local cuisine comprising roti, raw onion, raabdi, and baajre ki khichdi, prompting the crowd to chant the slogan "Fir ek baar, Modi sarkar" (Once again, Modi government).

In an interesting twist, the Prime Minister steered clear of addressing the contentious Agniveer scheme, a burning issue in the Bhiwani-Mahendragarh constituency. However, he did not shy away from acknowledging the contributions of late Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal towards the development of the region, recalling their long association and leaving the gathering amazed. 

Modi also highlighted his government's commitment to the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme for defence personnel, claiming that while the Congress had allocated a meagre Rs 500 crore for the initiative, his administration had earmarked a staggering Rs 1.25 lakh crore for its implementation.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister outlined his vision for the next five years, emphasising the semiconductor, drone, food processing, and start-up sectors as key areas of focus. He lauded the people of Haryana, stating that they would play a pivotal role in these emerging industries. 

Modi sought votes for BJP candidates Dharambir Singh from the Bhiwani-Mahendragarh seat and Rao Inderjit Singh from the Gurugram constituency, both of whom were present at the rally. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also addressed the gathering, lending his support to the Prime Minister's campaign.

As the high-stakes electoral battle intensifies, Modi's rallying cry to protect the quota rights of marginalised communities has added a new dimension to the political discourse, positioning him as a staunch defender of constitutional safeguards against perceived attempts at dilution by the opposition alliance.