Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 30: Responding to the Centre’s announcement to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday described the move as a delayed but welcome step that aligns with the Congress party’s long-standing commitment to social equity and justice.
Speaking at a press briefing, Gandhi said, “We said it in Parliament — the caste census will happen. We also promised to remove the artificial 50 percent cap on reservations. The Prime Minister once claimed there are only four castes in India. We don’t know what has changed, but now, after 11 years, the caste census has finally been announced.”
Gandhi suggested that the Modi government’s decision came under pressure from public sentiment and the Opposition's consistent advocacy, turning a Congress campaign issue into a central policy shift.
Citing successful state-level efforts, he praised Telangana for its structured and inclusive approach to caste enumeration. “Telangana has shown the way — it’s a solid model. Bihar too has taken steps, but the contrast between the two is instructive,” he said, suggesting both could serve as blueprints for national implementation.
He described the caste census as the “first step in a new development paradigm” aimed at fundamentally reshaping the country’s policy framework to reflect the actual participation of marginalised communities — including OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis — in national development.
“Our vision is clear: development must be based on real data. We cannot make progress without knowing who is being left behind and how,” Gandhi said, calling for data-driven policy to dismantle systemic inequalities.
Gandhi expressed full support for the government's move, but urged clarity on timelines and transparency in execution. “We are ready to cooperate. But the Centre must lay out a clear and public timeline for the caste census. It should not be another announcement without follow-through,” he said.
Responding to Prime Minister Modi’s previous comment about “only four castes,” Gandhi said, “We don’t oppose that view. But if that’s the case, how does the government plan to address the complex reality of caste discrimination and social exclusion in India?”
He also revived another key demand from the Congress manifesto — the implementation of reservation in private educational institutions under Article 15(5) of the Constitution. “This is already enshrined in law. The BJP-led government must now act to enforce it,” he urged.
The Congress leader framed the caste census not just as an administrative task, but as the foundation for a “new social contract” focused on equitable growth, representation, and opportunity for historically disadvantaged communities.