Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has once again criticized the BJP-led government's lateral entry policy, labeling it as an attack on the rights of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Adivasis. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Gandhi accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining the reservation system meant for marginalized communities.
"Lateral entry is an attack on Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis," Gandhi posted on X. "The BJP's distorted version of Ram Rajya seeks to destroy the Constitution and snatch reservations from Bahujans."
The controversy erupted after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) issued a notification on Saturday for the recruitment of 45 joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries through lateral entry. This process, often referred to as the appointment of specialists?including those from the private sector?into government roles, has been a contentious issue.
Gandhi's remarks were echoed by other opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), all of whom have accused the BJP of using lateral entry as a "backdoor" strategy to install ideological allies in key government positions, bypassing the traditional reservation system.
"Privatization of the IAS is Modi's guarantee for ending reservation," Gandhi further alleged, emphasizing that the I.N.D.I.A bloc will staunchly oppose what he termed an "anti-national step." SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also voiced strong opposition, warning of a potential agitation against the policy starting October 2.
In response, the BJP has strongly defended the lateral entry system, arguing that it brings transparency to the recruitment process, a concept originally introduced by the Congress-led UPA government. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw dismissed Gandhi's criticism, calling it "hypocrisy" and highlighting that the policy had been endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in 2005 under the UPA regime.
"The Congress is now criticizing a system they themselves developed and endorsed," Vaishnaw remarked. "The NDA government has only made the process more transparent and merit-based."
Government sources also pointed out that the lateral entry system includes strict adherence to reservation guidelines, as outlined in various office memorandums, including one issued by the Union Home Ministry in 2020. They accused Gandhi of spreading misinformation and urged him to "stop lying" about the policy's implications.
The debate over lateral entry has deepened the political divide, with opposition parties arguing that the policy threatens social justice, while the ruling party insists it is a necessary reform to bring expertise into governance. As the High Court prepares to hear related challenges, the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in the ongoing political battle between the BJP and its opponents.
