The ongoing political discourse in India has been marked by sharp discussions around caste-based census, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi taking the lead in urging the government to conduct such a survey. The issue has been propelled into the spotlight once again, this time with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesperson Manoj Chauhan accusing the Narendra Modi government of being forced to act on the matter due to Gandhi’s relentless push for a caste census.
Chauhan’s statements came in response to recent developments concerning the caste census issue. He emphasized that the Congress party’s consistent stance on the matter, driven by Rahul Gandhi, had forced the ruling BJP-led government to reconsider its position. This, he said, was not only indicative of the Congress party’s commitment to addressing the concerns of marginalized communities but also a testament to the political weight Rahul Gandhi’s leadership carries in the ongoing debates surrounding social justice in India.
The caste census debate has gained significant traction across India in recent years. While some states have already undertaken the exercise, others, especially under the current central government, have remained hesitant. The Modi government’s reluctance has been a matter of discussion, with critics arguing that the absence of such a census results in a lack of clarity on the socio-economic conditions of various communities, thus hindering effective policy-making and welfare schemes.
Manoj Chauhan pointed out that the Congress party has long advocated for the caste census, emphasizing its potential to uplift backward communities. He highlighted that it was not merely about the politics of quotas or reservations but about ensuring that those in need of government assistance are identified correctly to receive adequate support. According to him, the caste census will pave the way for more targeted interventions in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for the underprivileged.
In a recent interaction with the media, Chauhan remarked that the Modi government had been hesitant to discuss caste-related issues but now had no option but to heed the demand for a caste census due to the pressure exerted by political forces like Rahul Gandhi. The BJP, he claimed, had initially evaded the topic, which was now becoming a point of contention in several states ahead of elections, as various political parties push for a more accurate demographic representation of India’s caste-based population.
Chauhan also pointed to the growing political significance of the caste census as the opposition Congress party steps up its efforts in state and national elections. He stressed that the Congress has always been a party committed to the welfare of the backward classes and that Rahul Gandhi’s persistence on the issue would help the party consolidate its support base among marginalized communities. The caste census, in Chauhan’s view, would empower the government to design policies that truly address the needs of these communities, leading to better socio-economic outcomes.
Chauhan’s comments come amid the BJP’s efforts to build alliances with caste-based groups, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Congress, on the other hand, has intensified its outreach to caste groups, especially those from the Dalit and OBC communities, to make the caste census an electoral issue. The question of caste-based reservations and affirmative action programs is central to these debates, with the Congress positioning itself as the party best suited to address the concerns of marginalized groups.
The caste census issue has also become a focal point in Assam, where political leaders from all parties are under pressure to address the needs of various communities ahead of elections. As the political stakes rise in Assam’s panchayat elections, it remains to be seen whether the caste census issue will play a significant role in shaping the outcome.
The Modi government has not yet officially committed to a nationwide caste census, but the growing demand from various political parties and social groups is likely to keep the issue in the public eye. The Congress party, with its emphasis on social justice, will continue to push for the cause, as Rahul Gandhi’s position on the matter gains more traction among voters who feel underrepresented in the current political framework.
