Amid growing demands for a nationwide caste census, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized the historical significance of the caste system in India’s social structure, stating that it has been part of the country’s fabric for centuries and cannot be ignored. During a discussion on Wednesday, Ramesh strongly advocated for conducting a caste-based census, dismissing allegations that such a move could be viewed as casteism. Instead, he argued that a caste census is a tool for social empowerment and for ensuring the constitutional rights of marginalized communities.
Ramesh’s remarks reflect Congress‘ longstanding stance on the issue, with the party pushing for the census to better understand the distribution of caste groups and ensure that welfare measures are appropriately targeted. He also called for a constitutional amendment to remove the 50% cap on reservations, arguing that it no longer reflects the demographics of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) populations, which exceed 50% of the population.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed this sentiment, asserting that the demand for a caste census is driven by the need for accurate data to shape welfare policies, and not by political motivations. Kharge pointed out that opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), have also supported the call for a caste census, aligning on the view that it is essential for social justice.
This debate follows a contentious war of words between Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rahul Gandhi, during his recent U.S. visit, raised concerns about caste-based discrimination, which triggered backlash from BJP leaders. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, for example, responded by labeling Gandhi’s remarks as divisive, while the Congress continued to emphasize that the demand for a caste census is crucial for the nation’s social equity.
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As the call for a caste census gains momentum, it is seen as an important political issue ahead of the 2024 elections, particularly in states with significant OBC populations. However, it also remains a sensitive topic, with some parties expressing concerns over its potential for deepening caste-based divisions in Indian society.
