OP Rajbhar Slams Congress for 60-Year Neglect of Marginalised Groups

Lucknow: In a sharp political statement, Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar accused the Congress of turning a blind eye to Dalits, Muslims and economically weaker sections for over six decades. He told IANS that the party’s prolonged rule produced no tangible welfare measures for these groups, resulting in widespread disillusionment that continues to haunt its electoral prospects today. Rajbhar emphasised that Congress leaders were so engrossed in power politics that they failed to notice the struggles of the poor and marginalised. He warned that any grand alliance would primarily serve Congress’s interests by giving it a ready-made platform without addressing its organisational decline. The minister contrasted this with the ruling dispensation’s focus on inclusive development. He also targeted the Samajwadi Party’s 400-seat claim, alleging that its political dominance relies on coercion and land-grabbing incidents involving Yadav community members against other backward castes. Rajbhar cited specific cases in Barabanki where such violence allegedly took place, suggesting these actions would alienate voters. Addressing rising fuel prices, Rajbhar pointed to international conflicts between Iran and America as the primary cause, noting that India remains dependent on Gulf crude supplies. He said the state government is working on mitigation measures while urging citizens to understand the global nature of the crisis. The minister further criticised opposition parties for consistently opposing legislation such as the CAA and Ram Temple construction, only to see public support grow for these initiatives.