Bawankule Calls Rahul Gandhi's Caste Census Push ‘Too Late To Matter'
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Nagpur: State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed Congress leader
Rahul Gandhi
's recent support for a caste-based census as 'delayed wisdom' and politically opportunistic, stating that the Congress "never delivered justice to OBCs during its decades in power.
"
"Rahul Gandhi and his party remembered OBCs only during election time," Bawankule told the media here on Saturday. "For 50 years, they used our votes and ignored our demands. Their last-minute support for a caste census means little now."
Bawankule said that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who gave the OBC Commission constitutional status and acted on the long-standing demand for caste enumeration. "The Congress has no moral right to seek OBC votes anymore," he said.
Addressing allegations of phone-tapping by NCP MLA Rohit Pawar, Bawankule called the claims a 'media stunt'. "There are legal formalities for phone surveillance. You can't just tap anyone's phone on a whim," he said.
He also countered Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's sweeping corruption remarks. "If 75% of ministers are corrupt, name them. Empty accusations don't help anyone," Bawankule said, adding, "Sensationalism won't save a sinking newspaper."
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On governance matters, the minister confirmed that all bogus birth certificates across districts must be withdrawn by August 15. "District collectors have acknowledged the directive. This will ensure integrity in public documentation," he noted.
Bawankule defended deputy CM Ajit Pawar's stern words to bureaucrats, calling them "constructive feedback for public good." He said, "Ajitdada tours from 7 am. If he finds lapses during field visits, he's right to call them out."
Regarding ongoing deliberations over cabinet reshuffles, Bawankule clarified that such decisions rest solely with the chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis. "Every minister must act in a way that preserves public trust," he added.
On administrative reforms, Bawankule said 12 state civil service officers were recently promoted to IAS. He also emphasised the need to recognise long-serving officials by giving them additional merit marks during evaluation.
Addressing misuse of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, the minister warned: "If men have wrongly claimed benefits meant for women, they should face criminal charges and repay the funds."
Bawankule said the govt will implement the Supreme Court's verdict on scrub forest lands, covering 86,000 acres, and address questions around pre-1996 and commercial land allotments accordingly.
Speaking about a likely meeting between Fadnavis and NCP founder
Sharad Pawar
, Bawankule welcomed it, saying, "Sharad Pawar's vast experience can help address the concerns of sugarcane and dairy farmers."
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