Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to conduct a caste census, calling it a “first step” toward deeper social reform, but pressed the government to announce a clear timeline for its completion.
“We welcome the decision, but we need to know how much time it will take to conclude the census,” the Congress leader said at a press conference, hours after the Cabinet’s announcement.
He credited public and political pressure for forcing the government’s hand. “We have shown we can pressure the government,” he said, pointing out that the Congress had long demanded such an exercise and the removal of the 50% cap on reservations. “Modiji used to say there are just four castes. Suddenly, after 11 years, caste census is being announced.”
Rahul also cited Telangana as a model, saying its approach to caste-based surveys could serve as a blueprint for the Centre. “There are two examples—Bihar’s and Telangana’s—and there is a vast difference between the two,” he added.
Framing the census as part of a larger developmental vision, Gandhi said: “Our vision is to bring a new development paradigm through caste census. Not just reservations, but we are also asking central questions—what is the participation of OBCs, Dalits, Adivasis in this country?”
He also urged the BJP-led government to begin implementing Article 15(5), which allows for reservations in private educational institutions. “This is already a law. We want the government to begin implementing it,” he said.
On the Pahalgam terror attack, Gandhi accused the Centre of inaction. “I am saying that 28 people have been killed in cold blood. The people responsible must pay a price. The PM must act—clearly, strongly, and without delay,” he said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly responded, accusing Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of trying to steal credit.
“Congress was in power for many years. Why didn’t they conduct a caste census then?” said Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya also took a jab, pointing out that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already hinted on September 18, 2024, that such a move was coming. “Rahul Gandhi must stop taking credit. The Congress-led UPA had initiated a similar exercise in 2011 through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census, but failed to act on the data.”
