The demand for a comprehensive caste census has reignited debates on social justice and welfare policies, with opposition parties, led by Congress, intensifying their calls for such an enumeration. The issue has gained prominence, particularly during the recent assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, pressuring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to address growing demands for caste-based data.
Congress, with Rahul Gandhi at the forefront, has championed the need for a caste census. The party views it as essential for addressing caste-based disparities and ensuring targeted welfare programmes for marginalised communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Rahul Gandhi has positioned the caste census as a cornerstone of his mission for social justice, arguing that accurate caste data would enable better policy formulation to reduce inequities. In a recent post on X, he emphasised the Congress-led Telangana government’s progress in conducting a caste survey, completing over 70% of the task. “This data will help us formulate policies and strengthen social justice,” he said, reiterating his demand for a national caste census.
Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to initiate a caste census at the national level, contrasting it with the Congress’s efforts in Telangana. He argued that a caste census is the first step toward comprehensive development planning for decades to come.
Supporters of the caste census, including scholars and activists, argue that without accurate data, welfare programmes risk being ineffective.
Tushar Arun Gandhi, author and great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, emphasised that many social engineering initiatives have failed due to a lack of precise demographic data. “Caste hierarchies have been the bane of Indian democracy. A caste census is not divisive but essential for creating an accurate profile of our population demographics,” he said, adding that such a census would help refine reservations and welfare schemes.
Similarly, Professor Mujeebur Rahman of Jamia Millia Islamia highlighted the historical precedent of caste enumeration during colonial rule and its relevance today. “Caste census is necessary for good governance. BJP fears it might disrupt growing Hindu unity, but it’s essential for inclusive policy-making,” he remarked.
The BJP-led government has been hesitant to include caste data in the Census, fearing it might exacerbate caste divisions and counter its narrative of Hindu unity. Critics argue that this reluctance stems from the party’s concern over the potential political ramifications of exposing disparities within its voter base.
Amir Ali, a political observer from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), noted, “The demand for a caste census has put the BJP on the back foot. The question is how long the ruling party can resist the growing pressure for it.”
The call for a caste census has united opposition parties, with Congress and other regional groups advocating for it as a means of ensuring social equity. Many see it as a crucial step to address India’s deeply entrenched inequalities and promote targeted development initiatives.
While the debate over the caste census continues, the demand has undeniably become a rallying point for Opposition parties, challenging the BJP’s stance and potentially reshaping the narrative on social justice and governance in India.