Rajani Patil Says PM Modi Realises Youth, Farmers Are Opposed to Government

Rajani Patil, Congress MP, on Saturday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recognised growing opposition to his government among young people and farmers across the country.

Patil made the remarks while responding to the Prime Minister's appeal to Opposition parties to support the proposed constitutional amendment concerning the implementation of women's reservation. She also criticised the government's approach to linking women's reservation with the delimitation exercise.

According to Patil, the Congress has been raising concerns over issues affecting young people and farmers and believes recent government announcements reflect an attempt to address those concerns.

Rajani Patil Questions Government's Women’s Reservation Plan

Rajani Patil said the Prime Minister's appeal for Opposition support on women's reservation should be viewed alongside the government's proposed delimitation exercise.

She argued that women's reservation has historical roots in initiatives associated with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and accused the government of attempting to use the reservation issue as a route to carry out delimitation.

Patil said the Congress was not opposed to women's reservation but objected to linking its implementation with the proposed delimitation process.

Congress Raises Delimitation Concerns

The Congress leader alleged that the government was using women's reservation as a basis for pursuing its wider delimitation agenda.

The issue has become an important point of political disagreement between the ruling party and the Opposition, with Congress leaders questioning the proposed sequence and timing of implementation.

Patil maintained that the Congress supports greater political representation for women but has reservations about the proposed delimitation framework.

Jebi Mather Also Questions Women’s Reservation Implementation

Congress MP Jebi Mather also criticised the government's handling of women's reservation.

Mather argued that if the government was genuinely committed to implementing the reservation, it should already have taken steps to put it into effect.

According to Mather, the delay is connected to the government's proposed delimitation exercise. She alleged that delimitation was being pursued under the framework of the women's reservation legislation.

Mather reiterated the Congress's position that the party has historically supported women's reservation in legislative bodies.

PM Modi Announces AI Skilling Programme for Youth
Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a major artificial intelligence skilling initiative for young people.

Modi said one crore young Indians would be trained through AI-related skilling courses. He also announced free online coaching for young people preparing for various competitive examinations.

The announcements were made as the Prime Minister outlined his vision for technological development and referred to the concept of ‘Saptadhara’, or seven streams of power.

The focus on artificial intelligence and digital skills comes amid growing demand for technology-related expertise and employment opportunities for India's young population.

Free Online Coaching for Aspirants

The Prime Minister also highlighted plans to provide free online coaching to young people preparing for examinations.

The initiative is aimed at improving access to educational and competitive-examination resources, particularly for students who may face financial or geographical barriers to coaching.

The government's emphasis on AI training and online education forms part of its broader focus on technology-driven development.

PM Modi Highlights Opportunities for Farmers
Agriculture and food processing also featured prominently in the Prime Minister's Independence Day address.

Modi said Free Trade Agreements have opened international markets for Indian farmers. He highlighted the potential for agricultural products and processed food from India to reach consumers in global markets.

The government has increasingly focused on agricultural exports, food processing and value-added products as areas that could create new opportunities for farmers.

Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort
The political statements came on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag at the Red Fort as part of the national celebrations. The ceremony was accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

The ceremonial salute was carried out by the 1721 Field Battery using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat was the commander, while Naib Subedar Anuthosh Sarkar served as the Gun Position Officer.

Political Debate Over Youth, Farmers and Women’s Reservation

The statements by Rajani Patil and Jebi Mather indicate that the Congress intends to continue challenging the government's policies on youth, farmers and women's political representation.

While the government has highlighted initiatives such as AI skilling, free online coaching and expanded agricultural market access, Opposition leaders have questioned the government's broader political agenda.

The women's reservation issue, in particular, remains closely linked to the debate over delimitation and the future composition of India's legislatures.

Congress-Ruling Party Debate Continues

Rajani Patil's comments also reflect the broader political contest between the Congress and the BJP over which party best represents the interests of young Indians and farmers.

The government has pointed to new programmes and policy measures, while the Opposition has argued that these initiatives need to be assessed alongside broader concerns about employment, agriculture and political representation.

The debate is expected to continue as Parliament takes up issues related to constitutional amendments, women's reservation and delimGovernment

Rajani Patil has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is increasingly aware of opposition among India's youth and farming communities. Her remarks came amid a wider political debate over women's reservation, delimitation and the government's recent announcements for young people and farmers.

At the same time, Prime Minister Modi has highlighted AI training, free online coaching, agricultural exports and technological development as key priorities for India's future.

The contrasting positions underline the continuing political debate over youth opportunities, farmers' welfare and women's representation in Parliament and state legislatures.