BJP leader Manikanth Rathod (centre) is, in the 2.18 minutes video, heard opposing caste-based reservation saying if he were to become Prime Minister, he will abolish it and restrict reservation only to economically weaker sections.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
A video purportedly showing Manikanth Rathod, who contested the last Assembly elections as a BJP candidate from Chittapur Constituency, making controversial remarks against the reservation system has gone viral on social media, triggering sharp criticism from various quarters.
In the 2.18 minutes video, shared on a Facebook account titled “Manikanth Rathod BJP”, Mr. Rathod is heard opposing caste-based reservation. He says that if he were to become Prime Minister, he will abolish it and restrict reservation only to economically weaker sections.
He asserts that such a move will make India a global power within a decade and even claims that the value of the Indian Rupee will surpass the U.S. dollar.
Mr. Rathod also states that those demanding reservation should be jailed and that people identifying themselves by caste should not be granted Indian citizenship.
These remarks have drawn widespread condemnation, calling them unconstitutional and against the spirit of social justice enshrined in the Constitution.
Social media platforms witnessed intense debate, with many users terming the statements divisive and provocative.
Mr. Rathod contested from the Chittapur Constituency, a reserved segment for Scheduled Castes, on BJP ticket and was defeated by Priyank Kharge of the Congress.
Mr. Rathod has been involved in several controversies in the past. Earlier, a police complaint was filed against him for his remarks made during a press conference in response to comments by Mr. Kharge on the RSS.
Published – February 03, 2026 08:06 pm IST
