Each citizen duty-bound to remove casteism: Rahul

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that each citizen has a responsibility to remove casteism from society to fulfill the mission of B.R. Ambedkar, who is regarded as the architect of India's constitution.

Addressing a rally at Mhow, the birthplace of Ambedkar, he said that the Congress will stand by the Dalits, tribals and women if they suffer from any injustice.

In Mhow to inaugurate the year-long celebrations of Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary by the Congress, Gandhi said the country cannot realise its full potential "if some people are kept away from their rights".

Referring to 10 years of rule of Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, he said every individual should benefit from the progress made, and the poor should have opportunities to head private sector organisations.

"I want to remind that the responsibility to fulfill Babasaheb's (Ambedkar) mission is mine, of the Congress and of every citizen. Everyone needs to come forward to fulfill their responsibility in ending casteism," Gandhi said.

"I urge the youth not to sit quiet against casteism so that the barriers that keep us away from Babasaheb are slowly broken," he said.

Ambedkar (1891-1956), who belonged to the Dalit community, was a jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who campaigned against social discrimination against the Dalits and women.