Congress seeks caste census timeline, Rahul welcomes 'sudden' decision

Amid the rising clamour in several quarters for decisive action against Pakistan following the unearthing of alleged cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Modi government on Wednesday sprang a surprise by announcing its decision to include a caste-based enumeration in the next national census.

“Caste census will be included in the next national census exercise in a transparent manner," Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.

The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows. While some view it as a strategic move to woo voters ahead of the upcoming Bihar elections, others argue that the Modi government is using it as a diversionary tactic to shift attention away from its failure to prevent the terror attacks.

While Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi — who has been vociferously campaigning for a nationwide caste census for well over a year — welcomed the 'sudden' decision, he also raised concerns and sought clarity on the timeline. “We wholeheartedly welcome the decision but demand a clear timeline for its implementation.”

"Earlier, Narendra Modi used to claim there are only four castes in the country. Now, suddenly, the government has decided to conduct a caste census. We fully support this move, but the government must clearly state when the caste census will be completed," Gandhi said at a media briefing in New Delhi.

He also underscored the need for proper methodology in the census process and called for the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations, arguing that it hinders the progress of backward communities, Dalits, and Adivasis.

“Additionally, we urge the immediate implementation of Article 15(5), which allows for reservations in private educational institutions and is already part of the Constitution,” he said.

Taking aim at the BJP's ambivalent stance on reservations, Gandhi cited the Telangana and Bihar caste survey models to emphasise the importance of design and intent in the exercise.

“Telangana has emerged as a model, and it could serve as a blueprint for the national caste census. We are ready to assist the government in designing this census properly because we believe it could redefine the trajectory of development in the country,” the Congress leader said.

It is worth recalling here that during an election campaign rally in Bihar, PM Modi had mocked the Congress' demand for a caste census by saying, "woh aapki bhains khol le jayenge (they will untie and take away your buffalos), using the phrase to ridicule the promises being made regarding the caste census by Opposition INDIA bloc parties.