Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that communities belonging to upper castes hold “total control” over India’s top companies, bureaucracy, and even the armed forces. He said Dalits, backward classes, and minorities — together forming about 90% of India’s population — are missing from these sectors. Gandhi made these remarks on November 4 during a rally in Kutumba, Bihar, while campaigning for the first phase of the state assembly election scheduled for November 6.

He said, “Take out the list of the 500 biggest companies, and search for Dalits, Extremely Backward Classes, Mahadalits, minorities, Adivasis in them. You will not find anyone. You won't find a single one. All of them come from the 10% population.”

Gandhi accused the upper castes of dominating all powerful positions. “All the bank wealth goes to them. All the jobs go to them. They get a place in the bureaucracy,” he added.

Continuing his criticism, he said, “Look at the judiciary. They get everything there too. They have control over the army. And the 90% population — you will not find them anywhere.”

While his remarks covered several institutions, it is worth noting that the armed forces and judiciary do not officially release caste-based representation data.

Speaking at a Reserved Constituency

Rahul Gandhi made his comments in Kutumba, a constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). The Mahagathbandhan candidate, Rajesh Ram, who heads the Bihar Congress, is contesting from this seat. A video of Gandhi’s speech was later shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

LIVE: Public Meeting | Kutumba, Bihar https://t.co/MAFNEm0Ywm

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 4, 2025

BJP Criticises Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks on the Army

Rahul Gandhi’s reference to caste in the army triggered a strong backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gandhi reiterated his demand for a nationwide caste census, calling it essential for ensuring fair representation and constitutional equality. However, this was the first time he had linked his argument to the armed forces.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted on X, “Rahul Gandhi now wants to divide even our Armed Forces on caste lines! The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force stand for Nation First, not caste, creed or class. Rahul Gandhi hates our brave armed forces! Rahul Gandhi is Anti - Indian Army!”

Similarly, Andhra Pradesh minister Satya Kumar Yadav accused Gandhi of insulting India’s military. He wrote, “Rahul Gandhi’s rhetoric has hit a new low. By dragging the Indian Army into his casteist tirade, he has insulted one of the world’s most professional and apolitical forces, where soldiers serve not by caste, but by the tricolour.”

Mumbai BJP spokesperson Suresh Nakhua also criticised Gandhi, saying, “In his hate for PM Modi, he has already crossed the line of hating India.”

Rahul Gandhi’s Focus on Caste and Representation

Rahul Gandhi has consistently raised the issue of social justice and caste-based inequality, particularly in states like Bihar, where caste politics play a crucial role. The Congress’s ally, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), traditionally draws support from backward classes, especially Yadavs, and Muslims.

Although national caste data is unavailable — as the next Census will include it — Bihar’s 2023 caste survey revealed that upper castes make up just over 15% of the state’s population. The survey said Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) form the largest group at 36%, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at 27%, Scheduled Castes (SCs) nearly 20%, and tribals around 2%. By religion, Muslims account for nearly 18%, and Hindus make up around 82%.

The armed forces do not publish caste-based figures, though some regiments historically carry community-linked names. Gandhi has repeatedly argued that the backward classes are underrepresented due to entrenched caste discrimination across public institutions.

Limited Diversity in Judiciary

Government data shared in Parliament between 2018 and 2022 showed that only 5% of judges appointed to various High Courts came from minority communities. About 4% were from Scheduled Castes or Tribes, and around 11% from OBCs, according to the law ministry.

The ministry clarified that there is no reservation policy for judicial appointments in the Supreme Court and High Courts, so caste-based representation data is “not centrally available.” However, since 2018, newly appointed High Court judges are required to disclose their social background.

It also stated that the Chief Justice of India and Chief Justices of High Courts are responsible for recommending judicial appointments. “However, the government is committed to enhancing social diversity in judiciary,” the ministry said, adding that it has been urging the judiciary to improve inclusivity.