The political row over caste census intensified on Thursday as the Congress party strongly reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reported remark likening the demand for a caste-based census to an “urban naxal mindset.” Congress leaders termed the comment as an attempt to dismiss genuine demands for social justice and equitable distribution of resources.
Addressing a press conference, senior Congress leaders alleged that the Prime Minister was trivialising the issue of caste enumeration, which they described as a constitutional necessity and a tool for inclusive governance.
Congress's Stand
Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh stated, "The Prime Minister's remark reflects a deep disconnect with ground realities. Caste census is not about division, but about inclusion. It helps ensure that government policies truly reach those most in need." He added that data on caste would help in the proper implementation of reservation policies and welfare schemes, which are often based on outdated or incomplete population data.
Other senior leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, echoed similar views. They reiterated the party's commitment to conducting a caste census if elected to power and framed the issue as central to ensuring social equity.
Context and Background
The demand for a caste census has been raised by multiple political parties, especially in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Proponents argue that an updated caste census would provide a factual basis for welfare schemes and reservation benefits. The last caste data collection was carried out in 2011 under the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), but the caste data was never officially released.
Recently, Bihar conducted its own caste-based survey and released the findings, which sparked renewed interest and debate on the topic across several states. The Congress party, along with other regional parties like the RJD and DMK, has been advocating for a national-level caste census.
Government’s Position
While the Centre has so far refrained from committing to a full-scale caste census, it maintains that such data could lead to complexities in governance. Prime Minister Modi’s recent remarks, where he reportedly linked the demand to an “urban naxal mindset,” have been widely criticised by the opposition as politically motivated and dismissive of social justice concerns.
Union ministers have defended the PM’s stance, saying the focus should be on economic empowerment and not on what they call “divisive identity politics.”
Political Impact
The issue has taken centre stage in many poll-bound states, with regional parties using the debate to mobilise support. Political analysts believe that caste census could become a significant election issue, especially in states with large backward and marginalised communities.
The Congress party plans to raise the matter in upcoming public rallies and parliamentary debates. They argue that an inclusive democracy must be based on updated and accurate demographic data to ensure equitable development.
Conclusion
The debate around caste census reflects deeper questions about representation, resource allocation, and social equity in India. As political parties sharpen their narratives ahead of elections, the issue is expected to remain at the forefront of public and policy discourse in the coming months.
