Political Stirrings Surrounding Caste Census in India
The issue of caste census continues to stir political debate in India, with various parties advocating for its implementation. The Congress party has been at the forefront of this demand, urging the government to conduct a caste census for accurate demographic insights. Recently, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vocally criticized the Narendra Modi government, stating that no power can halt the demand for caste enumeration in the country.
Owaisi’s Stand on Caste Census
Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has also expressed strong support for the caste census. He pointed out that the party has raised this issue in Parliament, questioning why the census has not yet been conducted. Owaisi emphasized the need to disclose the social survey report prepared by former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in 2010, arguing that the Modi government has been concealing crucial data. He stated, “What is stopping the census from taking place? There is a need to break the 50 percent reservation ceiling imposed by the government, and we will support this in Parliament.”
#WATCH | Hyderabad: On caste census, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi states, “We have asked in Parliament to conduct a caste census, why is it not being conducted? The social survey report that P Chidambaram conducted in 2010, that report should be brought before the country.”
— ANI (@ANI)
Rahul Gandhi Targets the Government
In conjunction with Owaisi’s comments, Rahul Gandhi shared a post on social media outlining that public demand for caste census is growing. According to survey data, approximately 74% of people now support the caste enumeration. Gandhi shared on social media, emphasizing that understanding the population distribution based on caste is vital for ensuring equitable representation and participation in governance.
He added, “Modi Ji, if you are planning to prevent the caste census, you are merely dreaming. No power can now stop this from happening. The demand is clear from the people of India, and soon 90% of citizens will support the caste census. Implement it now or witness the next Prime Minister doing so.”
Chirag Paswan Joins the Call for Caste Census
Chirag Paswan has been another important voice in the quest for a caste census, aligning himself with the opposition against the government’s silence on this pressing issue. Known for his discontent towards various government policies, he has been vocal about the need for a census, reminiscent of Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements. Paswan has also pushed for legislative review regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, indicating his approach to represent minority and marginalized voices through transparent governance.
Conclusion and Implications
The increasing consensus among various political leaders on conducting a caste census suggests a critical moment in Indian politics, with potential implications for governance and social justice. As the demand for representation grows, it is imperative for the government to respond to these calls and engage in comprehensive discussions that reflect the country’s diverse demographic fabric.
