Raipur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pledged on Saturday that if his party is able to hold onto power in the state, he will provide free education in all government schools and institutions in Chhattisgarh and provide 'tendu' leaf collectors with an annual salary of Rs 4,000.
Gandhi wondered why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is afraid of a caste census if he brings up the "OBC" (other backward class) in his speeches while speaking at an election rally in the Kanker district's Bhanupratappur assembly constituency. If the Congress is elected to power, a nationwide caste census would be carried out, he stated.
Bhanupratappur is among the 20 constituencies that will see polling on November 7 in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh elections. The second phase will be held on November 17.
"We are going to take a major step for you which we call 'KG to PG'. From KG (kindergarten) to PG (post-graduation), free education will be provided in government institutions to students (if Congress retains power in the state). They will not have to pay a single penny," Gandhi said.
Gandhi promised that if Congress forms the government in the state after polls, then tendu leaves collectors will be given Rs 4,000 per year under the Rajiv Gandhi Protsahan Yojana. This is being seen as a major announcement from the Bhanupratappur seat, which is a part of the tribal-dominated Bastar region.
Pitching for a caste census, he said, "Narendra Modi ji uses 'OBC' word in his every speech but why he is scared of the caste census OBCs have to become aware as they are being ditched."
Gandhi also announced that the Congress would conduct a caste census in the country if it is voted to power in Delhi (at the Centre).
"We have already made this promise for Chhattisgarh," he said.
The Congress MP targeted the BJP-led Centre and claimed that it works for the benefit of three industrialists. The Congress works in the interest of farmers, Dalits, labourers and Adivasis, he said.
Key promises made by the Congress ahead of the last assembly polls have been fulfilled in Chhattisgarh, he claimed.
Objecting to the use of canvas in place of Adivasi' for tribals, he said its use by the BJP is an insult to Adivasis and an attack on their culture, history and language.
With PTI inputs