Patna, 5 Feb 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted the need for the representation of Dalit and weaker sections in positions of power, as he reiterated the need for a country-wide caste census. Gandhi was speaking at the birth anniversary function of freedom fighter and Dalit icon Jaglal Choudhary.

“There is no participation of Dalits and the downtrodden in the present power structure and institutions of the country. There is a need for a caste census across India.” he said. “There is no Dalit among the country's billionaires.”

"You can see Prime Minister Narendra Modi bowing before the Constitution and the statue of Ambedkar. Many RSS leaders also sing paeans to Ambedkar. They do so while working against the very ideals that Ambedkar espoused,” claimed Gandhi.

Gandhi said that the number of Dalits is in top positions is negligible in media and educational institution, a reason why their problems do not get highlighted.

“I am waiting for the day when Dalits and weaker sections will be in leadership position in every institution of the country.” He said. "The public health network in the country, which was meant to serve the needs of common people, is giving way to private hospitals.”

Waving a pocket-size edition of the Constitution, he said, "As long as this is in force, Dalits and other deprived sections of the society can hope for a better life.”