With Bihar headed to the polls this week, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (November 4) found himself at the centre of a storm after his comments on the Indian Army and caste representation sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Kutumba, Bihar, Gandhi claimed that a small section of society, roughly 10 per cent of India’s population, controlled the nation’s wealth, institutions, and even the armed forces, while the remaining 90 per cent, comprising Dalits, backward classes, and minorities, remained underrepresented.
“If you look closely, 90 per cent of India’s population belongs to Dalit, Maha Dalit, backward, extremely backward, or minority communities,” Gandhi told the crowd.
“When you examine the top 500 companies in India, you won’t find representation from these sections; they all come from that top 10 per cent. They control the jobs, the armed forces, and the country’s wealth. The remaining 90 per cent have no real representation.”
Gandhi, calling for a more inclusive India, added that the Congress Party stands with the marginalised and underrepresented sections, promising a nation where the poor, backward, and tribal communities “can live with dignity and opportunity.”
BJP Hits Back: “Rahul Gandhi Insulted the Indian Army”
The remarks drew immediate condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Gandhi of dragging the Indian Army into caste politics and “demeaning a national institution that symbolises unity and integrity.”
BJP spokesperson Suresh Nakhua lashed out at the Congress leader, saying, “Rahul Gandhi is now looking for caste in the Armed Forces and claims that 10 per cent of people control it. His hatred for Prime Minister Modi has turned into hatred for India itself.”
Party leaders across states joined the chorus, demanding that Gandhi issue a public apology for what they termed a “divisive and irresponsible” statement. BJP leaders alleged that the Congress scion was trying to “polarise communities” ahead of the Bihar polls.
This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi’s remarks concerning the armed forces have triggered backlash. In August 2025, the Supreme Court had pulled up Gandhi over his statement during the Bharat Jodo Yatra claiming that “Chinese troops are thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh.” The comment had led a retired defence officer in Lucknow to file a defamation complaint, alleging that the Congress MP had tarnished the image of the Army.
Gandhi had also faced criticism for his remarks about Chinese incursions, asserting that the “Chinese army occupied nearly 2,000 sq km of Indian territory,” a statement strongly denied by the government.
Rahul Gandhi’s latest remarks have reignited the debate over caste politics and national institutions just days before Bihar goes to the polls. Political analysts suggest that the controversy may further polarise the election atmosphere, with the BJP seeking to capitalise on nationalist sentiment while the Congress attempts to consolidate backward and minority votes.
The BJP has demanded a formal apology, warning that statements undermining the integrity of the armed forces “cannot be tolerated in a democracy.” Meanwhile, Congress leaders have defended Gandhi, claiming his remarks were being “taken out of context” and were aimed at addressing “systemic inequality.”
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