Congress party leader&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, who is facing backlash over comments seen as opposing reservations, clarified today that his party intends to "extend reservations beyond the 50 per cent limit."

In an interview at the National Press Club in the US, he explained, "Yesterday someone misrepresented my statement that I am against reservation. But let me make it clear – I am not against reservation. We will take reservation beyond the limit of 50 per cent."

This clarification came after comments he made during a discussion with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington DC,&nbsp;stirred controversy.

Gandhi had said that reservations would only be reconsidered when India becomes a fair society, adding that it isn't fair yet. He said, "The elephant in the room is that 90 per cent of India -- OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis don't play the game."

Speaking on the need for a caste census, he said, "Caste census is a simple exercise to know how the lower castes, backward castes and Dalits are integrated into the system...Out of the top 200 businesses in India, there is almost no ownership of 90 per cent of the population of India. In the highest courts of the country, there is almost no participation of 90 per cent of India. In media, there is zero participation of lower castes, OBCs, Dalits."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistan-terrorist-pannun-backs-rahul-gandhis-remarks-on-sikhs-says-justifies-demand-for-khalistan-757808">Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs</a>

Union Minister Amit Shah reacted to Gandhi’s comments, accusing Congress of fostering divisions based on regional, religious, and linguistic lines.&nbsp;

He added, "By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congress's anti-reservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words"

When asked about whether he saw the caste census as a counter to Hindutva politics, Gandhi rejected the idea of it being a "Mandal versus Kamandal" issue. He said, "What we are saying is different than the idea of only reservations. We want to have a comprehensive understanding... first of what's going on, and then we are going to apply a series of policies to correct it... reservation being one of them."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-terrorists-killed-in-jks-udhampur-757881">India: Security forces gun down two terrorists in J&amp;K's Udhampur, op underway</a>

Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Modi's handling of the China situation, saying, "If you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 sq km of our territory as handling something well, then maybe. We have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. I don't think Modi has handled China well at all."

Gandhi denied that the Kashmir issue was blocking India-Pakistan relations, pointing instead to Pakistan's support for terrorism as the real cause. He condemned the October 7 attack on Israel but added that Israel bombing innocent civilians, killing women and children, is equally wrong and must not continue.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, who is facing backlash over comments seen as opposing reservations, clarified today that his party intends to "extend reservations beyond the 50 per cent limit.

Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, who is facing backlash over comments seen as opposing reservations, clarified today that his party intends to "extend reservations beyond the 50 per cent limit." In an interview at the National Press Club in the US, he explained, "Yesterday someone misrepresented my statement that I am against reservation. But let me make it clear – I am not against reservation. We will take reservation beyond the limit of 50 per cent." This clarification came after comments he made during a discussion with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington DC, stirred controversy. Gandhi had said that reservations would only be reconsidered when India becomes a fair society, adding that it isn't fair yet. He said, "The elephant in the room is that 90 per cent of India -- OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis don't play the game." Speaking on the need for a caste census, he said, "Caste census is a simple exercise to know how the lower castes, backward castes and Dalits are integrated into the system...Out of the top 200 businesses in India, there is almost no ownership of 90 per cent of the population of India. In the highest courts of the country, there is almost no participation of 90 per cent of India. In media, there is zero participation of lower castes, OBCs, Dalits." Also read: Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs Union Minister Amit Shah reacted to Gandhi’s comments, accusing Congress of fostering divisions based on regional, religious, and linguistic lines. He added, "By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congress's anti-reservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words" When asked about whether he saw the caste census as a counter to Hindutva politics, Gandhi rejected the idea of it being a "Mandal versus Kamandal" issue. He said, "What we are saying is different than the idea of only reservations. We want to have a comprehensive understanding... first of what's going on, and then we are going to apply a series of policies to correct it... reservation being one of them." Also read: India: Security forces gun down two terrorists in J&K's Udhampur, op underway Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Modi's handling of the China situation, saying, "If you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 sq km of our territory as handling something well, then maybe. We have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. I don't think Modi has handled China well at all." Gandhi denied that the Kashmir issue was blocking India-Pakistan relations, pointing instead to Pakistan's support for terrorism as the real cause. He condemned the October 7 attack on Israel but added that Israel bombing innocent civilians, killing women and children, is equally wrong and must not continue. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi clarifies reservation stance, says 'Will take reservations beyond 50 per cent'

Rahul Gandhi, on his first visit overseas after becoming Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Texas on Sunday (Sep 8). He said that he intends to engage in “meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will strengthen the bond between the two nations”.

After reaching Texas, the Congress leader shared photos of his welcome in Dallas, which included Sam Pitroda, the former head of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), and other members. The Congress leader is scheduled to visit Dallas, Texas, on September 8, followed by a stop in Washington, DC, from September 9 to 10.&nbsp;

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Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> receives a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport! 
 
📍 Texas, USA <a href="https://t.co/AXAd6FA9tS">pic.twitter.com/AXAd6FA9tS</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1832629168149790876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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On Facebook, Gandhi wrote, “I am truly delighted by the warm welcome I’ve received in Dallas, Texas, USA, from the Indian Diaspora and members of the IOC. I eagerly look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will further strengthen the bond between our two nations during this visit.”

Gandhi’s trip will continue until 10th September, during which he is set to meet with academics, journalists, think-tank representatives, technocrats, business leaders, and the Indian diaspora.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-tmc-mp-jawhar-sircar-steps-down-over-handling-of-case-756816">TMC MP to resign over ‘faulty handling’ of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case</a>

He is also scheduled to address students and other community members at the University of Texas. Additionally, he will meet with technocrats and join Dallas leaders for dinner.

Earlier, Sam Pitroda&nbsp;announced Gandhi’s visit and shared that the Indian diaspora, including NRIs, technocrats, business figures, students, journalists, and even political figures, were looking forward to meeting him.

"There are lots of events planned with a variety of people because they also have interest in the states where Congress party runs governments, particularly the tech cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. We see great interest in conversation with the business and technological community," Pitroda added.

Back in May 2023, Gandhi visited the US on a six-day trip, during which he engaged with the NRI community, business leaders, and media in San Francisco, Washington DC, and New York.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi, on his first visit overseas after becoming Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Texas on Sunday (Sep 8). He said that he intends to engage in “meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will strengthen the bond between the two nations”.

Rahul Gandhi, on his first visit overseas after becoming Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Texas on Sunday (Sep 8). He said that he intends to engage in “meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will strengthen the bond between the two nations”. After reaching Texas, the Congress leader shared photos of his welcome in Dallas, which included Sam Pitroda, the former head of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), and other members. The Congress leader is scheduled to visit Dallas, Texas, on September 8, followed by a stop in Washington, DC, from September 9 to 10. Shri @RahulGandhi receives a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport! 📍 Texas, USA pic.twitter.com/AXAd6FA9tS — Congress (@INCIndia) September 8, 2024 × On Facebook, Gandhi wrote, “I am truly delighted by the warm welcome I’ve received in Dallas, Texas, USA, from the Indian Diaspora and members of the IOC. I eagerly look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will further strengthen the bond between our two nations during this visit.” Gandhi’s trip will continue until 10th September, during which he is set to meet with academics, journalists, think-tank representatives, technocrats, business leaders, and the Indian diaspora. Also read: TMC MP to resign over ‘faulty handling’ of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case He is also scheduled to address students and other community members at the University of Texas. Additionally, he will meet with technocrats and join Dallas leaders for dinner. Earlier, Sam Pitroda announced Gandhi’s visit and shared that the Indian diaspora, including NRIs, technocrats, business figures, students, journalists, and even political figures, were looking forward to meeting him. "There are lots of events planned with a variety of people because they also have interest in the states where Congress party runs governments, particularly the tech cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. We see great interest in conversation with the business and technological community," Pitroda added. Back in May 2023, Gandhi visited the US on a six-day trip, during which he engaged with the NRI community, business leaders, and media in San Francisco, Washington DC, and New York. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi's US visit kicks off from Texas, aims to strengthen India-US ties

Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York.

The two engaged in a candid conversation where the Congress party leader enquired about the challenges the Indian-origin truck drivers faced in the United States. They further discussed similarities, differences in the working conditions of both India and America.

Gandhi had earlier shared the experience of a similar ride from Delhi to Chandigarh where he spoke to the truck drivers to understand the problems they were facing.

Gandhi further put out the video of his 190 km ride on his official YouTube handle.

“Continuing on my journey to listen to a variety of voices, I recently went on a 190 km ‘American Truck Yatra’ from Washington DC to New York. Much like my Truck Yatra from Delhi to Chandigarh here in India, I enjoyed a candid heart-to-heart conversation - this time centred around the everyday lives of Indian-origin Truck drivers in America,” he wrote in the&nbsp;video’s description.

“Was happy to find out that our brothers in America earn fair wages, and work in a system that is focused on the ‘Driver’s comfort’. The hardworking Truck drivers’ community in India deserves a life of dignity too, and an inclusive vision that takes them forward is bound to have a positive cascading effect on the economy of our entire country,” he further added.

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&nbsp;

During their ride, Gandhi noted that the trucks in the United States were designed as per the needs and comfort of the driver, something that according to him was not being taken care of in the Indian vehicles.

The Congress leader also remarked that the truck drivers in India were struggling to make ends meet, whereas their American counterparts were receiving decent wages.

“Trucks in India have nothing to do with the comfort of drivers and in comparison, with India, safety in the US roads are much better,” Gandhi said.

“As compared to India we earn a lot and drivers here earn anywhere between $8-10k (Rs. 8-10 lakhs) every month. There is a lot of work here and people who don’t have an opportunity to study or invest in a business they can opt to be a truck driver in the US. We are happy with our families in the US as truck drivers which is difficult to comprehend in India,” the driver, Taljinder Singh, replied to Gandhi.

The Congress party released a statement saying that there were a lot of lessons that could be drawn from the American industry and incorporated in India.

"There are a lot of lessons we can draw from the American truck industry to plan a new vision for the truck industry here in India. Indian truck drivers are the lifeline of our logistics and deserve a life of dignity too," the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York.

Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York. The two engaged in a candid conversation where the Congress party leader enquired about the challenges the Indian-origin truck drivers faced in the United States. They further discussed similarities, differences in the working conditions of both India and America. Gandhi had earlier shared the experience of a similar ride from Delhi to Chandigarh where he spoke to the truck drivers to understand the problems they were facing. Gandhi further put out the video of his 190 km ride on his official YouTube handle. “Continuing on my journey to listen to a variety of voices, I recently went on a 190 km ‘American Truck Yatra’ from Washington DC to New York. Much like my Truck Yatra from Delhi to Chandigarh here in India, I enjoyed a candid heart-to-heart conversation - this time centred around the everyday lives of Indian-origin Truck drivers in America,” he wrote in the video’s description. “Was happy to find out that our brothers in America earn fair wages, and work in a system that is focused on the ‘Driver’s comfort’. The hardworking Truck drivers’ community in India deserves a life of dignity too, and an inclusive vision that takes them forward is bound to have a positive cascading effect on the economy of our entire country,” he further added. × During their ride, Gandhi noted that the trucks in the United States were designed as per the needs and comfort of the driver, something that according to him was not being taken care of in the Indian vehicles. The Congress leader also remarked that the truck drivers in India were struggling to make ends meet, whereas their American counterparts were receiving decent wages. “Trucks in India have nothing to do with the comfort of drivers and in comparison, with India, safety in the US roads are much better,” Gandhi said. “As compared to India we earn a lot and drivers here earn anywhere between $8-10k (Rs. 8-10 lakhs) every month. There is a lot of work here and people who don’t have an opportunity to study or invest in a business they can opt to be a truck driver in the US. We are happy with our families in the US as truck drivers which is difficult to comprehend in India,” the driver, Taljinder Singh, replied to Gandhi. The Congress party released a statement saying that there were a lot of lessons that could be drawn from the American industry and incorporated in India. "There are a lot of lessons we can draw from the American truck industry to plan a new vision for the truck industry here in India. Indian truck drivers are the lifeline of our logistics and deserve a life of dignity too," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Rahul Gandhi embarks on truck journey in US, engages in candid conversation with driver

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (June 3) took a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi over his comments in the United States earlier this week.

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (June 3) took a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi over his comments in the United States earlier this week. Addressing Indian-Americans in Santa Clara, Gandhi, the leader of the opposition Congress party called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a specimen and attacked his government's policies on various issues. Hitting out at Prime Minister Modi, Gandhi said, "I think if you sat Modi ji down next to god Modi ji would start explaining to god how the universe works. And god would get confused that what have I created.” The Congress leader's remarks on Modi were criticised by many ministers and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jaishankar's veiled dig at Gandhi On being asked about Rahul Gandhi's remarks, EAM Jaishankar said that there were sometimes things bigger than politics when one steps outside the country. "There are sometimes, things bigger than politics & when you step outside the country, that is important to remember...I differ with them but how I counter it, I would like to go home and do it. Watch me when I get back," Jaishankar said at a diaspora event in Cape Town after attending the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, the news agency ANI reported. #WATCH | There are things "bigger than politics" when you go abroad, says India's EAM @DrSJaishankar, days after Congress leader #RahulGandhi repeatedly attacked Indian PM Narendra Modi and his government during his visit to the US#SJaishankar #NarendraModi Courtesy: ANI pic.twitter.com/GvlmKIfrsP — WION (@WIONews) June 4, 2023 × Jaishankar added that he could talk for himself and did not do politics while travelling abroad. "I'm perfectly prepared to argue and argue very vigorously at home. Okay, so you will never find me wanting in that regard," he said. ALSO READ | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backs Modi government's stance on Russia-Ukraine war The EAM further pointed out that even a democratic culture has a collective responsibility. "There is a national interest there is a collective image. There are sometimes things bigger than politics and when you step outside the country, I think that's important to remember," he said. "So I might differ strongly with someone. I could say to you, I differ with them. But how I counter it, I would like to go back home and do it. And watch me when I get back," he added. 'India no longer lumbering around at relatively slow pace' During Saturday's Cape Town event, Jaishankar also said that India was no longer lumbering around at a relatively slow pace and lauded the scale of change taking place in the country. "When it comes to digital, I can assert with a great deal of confidence, that I see practices (and) efficiencies in India which I don't see even if I go to Europe and North America," Jaishankar said. "When we speak about the pace of transformation of these nine years, is really something that I think the Indian community abroad, the non-residents abroad and I would say even the friends and well-wishers of India abroad need to understand is something very powerful and very big that is going on," he added. The EAM also highlighted the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in its nine years in office through policy reforms and actions in various areas to raise the self-reliance of the citizens. "A self-reliant India is not a protectionist India that is closing itself to the world. It is an India that is actually making more in India but making more for the world and making more with the world." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Things bigger than politics when...: S Jaishankar's veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi for his remarks in US

Rahul Gandhi made a no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the University of California, Berkeley, on Tuesday morning.

And while his speech -- India at 70: Reflections on the Path Forward&nbsp;-- got a large amount of traction, it was also remembered for other not-so-good reasons.

For one thing, Gandhi added to his long list of gaffes.&nbsp;

Gandhi was answering a question when he said India&#39;s lower house of Parliament -- the Lok Sabha&nbsp;-- has 546 seats.&nbsp;

Twitter was quick to point out the correct answer is actually 545.&nbsp;

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Too much to expect <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulGandhi?src=hash">#RahulGandhi</a> to make it through the evening without at least a minor gaffe. (Lok Sabha strength is 545 members, not 546.)
&mdash; Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhume/status/907435119530663937">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Gandhi has made a number of gaffes before, all of which almost immediately make it to social media.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Gandhi&#39;s great-grandfather&nbsp;Jawaharlal Nehru had -- as prime minister -- also addressed the University of California, Berkley, in 1949.

And on Tuesday, Rahul said he was ready to be a prime ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

He said there are 546 seats in the Lok Sabha. The correct answer is 545

Rahul Gandhi made a no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the University of California, Berkeley, on Tuesday morning. And while his speech -- India at 70: Reflections on the Path Forward -- got a large amount of traction, it was also remembered for other not-so-good reasons. For one thing, Gandhi added to his long list of gaffes. Gandhi was answering a question when he said India's lower house of Parliament -- the Lok Sabha -- has 546 seats. Twitter was quick to point out the correct answer is actually 545. Too much to expect #RahulGandhi to make it through the evening without at least a minor gaffe. (Lok Sabha strength is 545 members, not 546.) — Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) September 12, 2017 × Gandhi has made a number of gaffes before, all of which almost immediately make it to social media. Interestingly, Gandhi's great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru had -- as prime minister -- also addressed the University of California, Berkley, in 1949. And on Tuesday, Rahul said he was ready to be a prime ministerial candidate.

Rahul Gandhi adds to long list of gaffes