Rahul Gandhi Claims Indian Army Under Control of Upper Castes, Sparks Controversy Over Representation

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has created controversy after stating that the Army is 'under the control of 10 per cent of the country's population' referring to upper castes.

During a campaign event in Bihar's Aurangabad ahead of the Assembly election, Gandhi claimed that only 10 per cent of India's population from upper castes dominate opportunities in corporate sectors, bureaucracy, judiciary, and have control over the Army.

He further asserted that the remaining 90 per cent - comprising backward classes, Dalits, scheduled tribes, and minorities - lack representation in these sectors, reinforcing his consistent calls for social justice and equal opportunities.

Gandhi has been vocal about demanding a national caste census, stating it would identify the 90 per cent of Indians who are "outside the system" and help protect their constitutional rights.

"We want the data. How many Dalits, OBCs, women, minorities are there. We are trying to protect the Constitution through this demand for a caste census," Gandhi has previously stated.

He added, "If 90 per cent people don't have participatory rights, the Constitution can't be protected."

This marks the first time Gandhi has specifically mentioned the military in this context of representation.

His comments about the Army have previously drawn criticism. In August, the Supreme Court reprimanded him for claiming "Chinese troops are thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh" during his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.

Gandhi had alleged that China had occupied 2,000 sq km of Indian territory, blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for the "surrender."

Justice Dipankar Datta strongly objected to these claims, saying, "How did you get to know that 2,000 sq km of Indian land has been taken over by China? If you are a true Indian... you won't say all of this."

Earlier in May, the Allahabad High Court ruled that freedom of speech does not include the right to 'defame' the Army when overruling Gandhi's plea challenging a court summons.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party criticized Gandhi's remarks, with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan claiming Gandhi was attempting to "weaken India and strengthen China."

The Congress party responded by arguing that courts should not determine who qualifies as 'real Indians'.