Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government for Excluding Marginalized Communities in Budget Process

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemns the exclusion of Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and minorities from India’s budget-making process, highlighting systemic imbalance in the nation’s economic governance.

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has sharply criticized the Narendra Modi-led government for systematically excluding marginalized communities from the crucial budget-making process. Speaking at a rally in Delhi, Gandhi exposed the absence of Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and minorities in key financial decision-making bodies, calling out the systemic imbalance in policy formulation that neglects the interests of these communities.

In his remarks, Gandhi pointed out the glaring absence of these communities, noting, “Tomorrow, you will see the finance minister with a briefcase. A photo will come. But you will not see a single Dalit, tribal, backward class person, or a minority in that photo.” This comment underscored the deep-rooted exclusion present in India’s economic governance, which he argued continues to marginalize large sections of the population from the policymaking process.

He further highlighted the disparity within the budget formulation process by revealing a shocking statistic: out of the 90 officers responsible for drafting the national budget, only three belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). “Your population is 50%, yet when Rs 100 is allocated in the budget, your representatives will only have a say in Rs 5,” he stated, criticizing the disproportionate power and influence wielded by elite bureaucrats. Gandhi’s remarks pointed to a significant imbalance in representation, where the marginalized communities have minimal input in decisions that directly affect their lives.

Gandhi’s comments followed a recent acknowledgment at the ‘Vanchit Samaj: Dasha aur Disha’ event, where he admitted that Congress had failed to adequately safeguard the interests of Dalits and backward classes post-1990. He admitted, “Had Congress retained the confidence of Dalits and backward classes, the RSS would have never been able to come to power,” reflecting on the historical shortcomings in the party’s approach to these communities. This statement has reignited discussions surrounding the need for representation and inclusivity in India’s governance.

By calling attention to the exclusion of marginalized communities, Gandhi’s remarks have once again brought the issue of equitable participation in decision-making processes to the forefront. The Congress leader argues that the Modi government’s failure to ensure this inclusivity has compounded the socio-economic challenges faced by Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and minorities, contributing to a broader systemic inequality within India’s political and economic structures.

Gandhi’s criticism also reflects a broader concern about the erosion of democratic values and the need for a more representative government that listens to the voices of all communities, not just the elites. As the debate continues, the call for a more inclusive approach to policy decisions becomes increasingly urgent, highlighting the growing divide between India’s rich diversity and its decision-making elites.