Fact Check: Modi did not make any remarks against caste-based reservations to SCs, STs
Modi did not make any remarks against caste-based reservations to SCs, STs
A widely shared video on social media purportedly shows PM Modi expressing his opposition to the caste-based reservation system. The video is being circulated with the hashtag #NoVoteToBJP, suggesting PM Modi's alleged anti-reservation stance.
In the tweet above, a video clip featuring PM Modi and Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankar in the chair is seen. In the video, PM Modi can be heard stating, “I don’t support any form of reservation, particularly in jobs. I am against any system that promotes incompetence and creates a second class. Therefore, I have opposed it since its inception.”
Fact check:
The claim is false.
In the video, Vice President Dhankar, who also serves as the ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha, can be seen indicating that the speech took place on the floor of Rajya Sabha. Upon conducting a keyword search on YouTube using these details, a video published on The Economic Times' YouTube channel was discovered. This video features a longer version of PM Modi's statement delivered on the floor of Rajya Sabha.
In the video, PM Modi appears to be responding to allegations made by the opposition. He begins his speech by stating, "I doubt that SC/ST would have been provided reservation, if there was no Babasaheb!" He emphasizes, "I say this because I have evidence to show that their thoughts have always been this way. I am not here to speak without evidence, respected Speaker Sir."
Continuing, PM Modi mentions, "Of late, I remember (Jawaharlal) Nehru ji more often these days because our friends (in the Congress) expect me to speak about him (Nehru ji). Now, let me read a letter written by Nehru ji. This letter was written by the country’s Prime Minister Pandit Nehru to the chief ministers of the country at that time. It’s on record. I’m reading the translation: 'I do not like any kinds of reservations, especially reservations in jobs. I am against any step that promotes inefficiency and that leads towards the second class.'"
PM Modi further adds, "This is the letter written by Pandit Nehru ji to the chief ministers. And therefore, I say they are always opposed to reservations. Nehru ji used to say, if SC, ST and OBC communities get reservation in jobs, the standard of government work will deteriorate." Honorable Mr. Chairman Sir, I'm reading this quote, and you can verify. I'm reading a quote by Pandit Nehru.
PM Modi's complete speech, including the remarks mentioned, can be found on the PIB website. He delivered this speech during the Rajya Sabha session on February 7, 2024, while responding to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. The letter quoted by PM Modi was written by India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on June 27, 1961.
According to a report by the Indian Express, in the letter, Nehru expressed his disapproval of reservations, particularly in services, stating, “It is true that we are tied up with certain rules and conventions about helping the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. They deserve help but, even so, I dislike any kind of reservation, more particularly in services. I react strongly against anything which leads to inefficiency and second-rate standards. I want my country to be a first-class country in everything. The moment we encourage the second-rate, we are lost.”
Furthermore, Nehru advocated for technical education for the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, believing it to be the most effective means of their upliftment. He asserted that "the only real way to help a backward group is to give opportunities of good education."
Hence, it clearly indicates that PM Modi did not oppose the caste-based reservation system. In his response to allegations raised by the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi referenced the views of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru regarding reservations. However, the video has been manipulated to falsely depict PM Modi speaking against caste-based reservation.