Congress withdraws call despite opposition SC
Mallikarjun Kharge holds meeting with top leaders, holds consultations, more deliberations to be held in coming weeks With opinion in the party sharply divided over the Supreme Court verdict allowing sub-categorisation of SCs and STs for the purpose of reservation within the quota, the Congress on Tuesday decided to tread cautiously and hold more consultations before firming up its view on the matter.
The party’s central leadership has remained silent on the Supreme Court order, though individual leaders have been expressing their views. On Tuesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge finally held a meeting to bring clarity, and it was attended by top leaders, including Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, general secretary K C Venugopal, party’s legal and Dalit faces, Congress’ Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala, general secretary Jairam Ramesh and others.
Most Dalit leaders and other top influential people
Sources said most Dalit leaders and other top influential people are against the Supreme Court verdict and in favour of opposing the sub-categorisation. However, the party’s two chief ministers, Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah and Telangana’s A Revanth Reddy, have already welcomed the decision due to local political compulsions. There has been a demand for such a quota from the Mala and Madiga, the major SC groups in Karnataka and Telangana respectively.
Sources said senior lawyer and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Abhishek Singhvi briefed the meeting held at Kharge’s Rajaji Marg residence on the legal aspects. But he and lawyer leaders like Vivek Tankha believed that the issue is political and the party will have to take a political decision. After about one-and-a-half hours of discussion, it was decided to hold consultations with stakeholders and civil society activists within and outside the party forums. As part of this exercise, Kharge will also meet the party’s chief ministers as well as state Congress presidents.
The decision came after significant internal debate and pressure from various party factions and community leaders who argued that the sub-quota was essential for ensuring fair representation and opportunities for marginalized groups. The withdrawal has sparked controversy and disappointment among proponents of the sub-quota, who believe it would have been a crucial step toward achieving social justice and equity for SC/ST communities. The Congress party remains committed to addressing the concerns raised.
Parties have already criticised several aspects of the verdict
Several parties, including Mayawati’s BSP, Chiraj Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party and Ramdas Athawale’s Republican Party of India, have already criticised several aspects of the verdict. Paswan has even said that his party will move the Supreme Court to review the verdict.
Dalit leaders present at the meeting organised by Kharge included Mukul Wasnik, Kumari Selja, PL Punia, Udit Raj and Congress SC department head Rajesh Lilothia. Asked about the stand taken by Siddaramaiah and Revanth Reddy, a senior leader said: “Chief ministers may have their own view… it is because of the Mala and Madiga people. But the party is supreme. Individuals have to follow the party’s view. And the party’s view is prepared by looking at various aspects. We are a national party, so our view will be the national view.
Supreme Court-mandated cap on reservation for STs and OBCs
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ramesh reiterated the party’s demand for conducting a caste census and removing the Supreme Court-mandated 50% cap on reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs. Both of these were key promises in the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections.
The CPI(M) politburo met separately in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the issue. While supporting the Supreme Court’s decision, the party reiterated its opposition to the introduction of creamy layer within SC and ST reservations suggested in the judgment. “Though it is not part of the operative judgment, four of the seven judges gave opinions in favour of the introduction of creamy layer separately.
Issue differences with party
The issue of sub-classifying SCs could create differences with the party. Senior leaders like Kumari Selja and PL Punia are said to be against the verdict and in favour of the curative petition, while the Congress governments in Telangana and Karnataka have welcomed the verdict. Mr. Ramesh told reporters that the verdict has reinforced the need to conduct a nationwide caste census and remove the 50% cap on reservation through a constitutional amendment.
“The Supreme Court order on SC/ST sub-categorisation or what is called quota within quota was discussed. The discussion went on for one-and-a-half hours and our party president will now meet our chief ministers, state unit chiefs and decide our stand on the verdict,” he said.
Conclusion
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi were among the party leaders who held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Supreme Court verdict on sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Top party lawyers, including Abhishek Singhvi and Vivek Tankha, were also part of the meeting.
Party communications chief Jairam Ramesh said Mr. Kharge will consult chief ministers and state unit chiefs of Congress-ruled states before deciding the party’s stand on the verdict.
