Seeking to make a dent in ruling JD(U) support base among the extremely backward caste(EBC) in Bihar and BJP's efforts to lure them by pointing towards Narendra Modi's caste background, Congress on Monday claimed it was the only party to provide EBCs their legitimate rights.
"The ruling parties (JD-(U) and BJP before split) had used EBCs as vote bank," state Congress president Ashok Chaudhary said addressing a function in Patna. "There is clear cut instruction from Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-president Rahul Gandhi to provide EBCs their legitimate rights in the party organisation and states ruled by it," Chaudhary told a function of the 'Most Backward Mahasangh' in in Patna.
He said the two senior leaders would soon meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the constitution of Most Backward Caste Commission at national level. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has a considerable support base among EBCs, while BJP is trying to lure them by highlighting their campaign committee chief Narendra Modi's EBC caste origin.
Chaudhary said it was Congress that had constituted Kaka Kalelkar and Mungeri Lal Commissions and got their recommendations implemented for the EBCs. "The claim of uplifting EBCs is only a slogan for other parties but it is a commitment for Congress," he said and appealed to the people of the weaker castes to guard from being 'misused' by non-Congress parties for votes.
Congress MP from Uttar Pradesh and AICC secretary Rajaram Pal welcomed the Mahasangh merging itself with Congress. Mahasangh chief Kailash Pal appealed to the EBCs to strengthen Congress party.
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