The Modi government has decided to conduct a caste census ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. In a Cabinet meeting convened under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Modi, the government resolved to enumerate castes during the upcoming census. Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stated, “We have been demanding that the government conduct a caste census for several years now. We support the government’s decision; however, the government must specify the dates for the caste census.”
Rahul Gandhi has put forward four demands to the government:
1: The government must clarify when and how the census will be conducted, and provide a specific timeline for it.
2: The Central Government should adopt a caste survey model that is swift, transparent, and inclusive—similar to the model implemented by the Telangana government.
3: The 50% cap on reservation should be lifted.
4: Reservation policies should be implemented in private educational institutions.
Reactions:
Posting on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Congress MP Jairam Ramesh stated that a caste-based census is essential to further strengthen the foundations of social justice. He remarked, “Better late than never.”
Kharge said:
“The Modi government has announced that it will conduct a caste census alongside the general census. This is a correct step—one that we have been demanding since day one.”
Tejashwi Yadav:
“This was a demand we have held for 30 years; it represents a victory for our socialists and for Lalu Yadav.”
Prashant Kishor:
“The country’s development will not be achieved merely through caste surveys; rather, it will become possible only when the government acts upon the findings and conclusions derived from these surveys.”
Udit Raj:
Congress leader Udit Raj stated, “This is a victory for the Congress party. Ultimately, the Modi government has been compelled to conduct a caste census. I welcome this decision.”
In a Cabinet meeting convened
