Rahul Gandhi Labels Opposition to Caste Census as ‘Anti-National’
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly advocated for a nationwide caste census, declaring that any opposition to such an initiative is not just politically motivated but “anti-national.” His remarks come as the party continues to push for a renewed focus on social justice and equality in India’s policymaking framework.
Caste Census Key to Social Justice
Rahul Gandhi stressed the importance of a caste-based census in understanding the real structure of Indian society. He argued that it is essential to uncover the scale of inequality across different castes and communities. According to him, ignoring or denying the need for this data only serves to protect those benefiting from the current power structure. “Those who do not support the caste census want to hide the truth of this country,” he said.
Congress Targets Inequality Through Data
Gandhi explained that the Congress party’s broader mission to combat inequality would begin with collecting reliable and detailed caste-based data. Without it, he warned, policies and welfare schemes will continue to fall short of delivering justice to the most marginalized communities.
Criticism of Bihar’s Caste Survey
He also dismissed the caste survey conducted by the Bihar government, calling it a “fake” exercise that failed to present an accurate picture of caste distribution. He added that only a genuine nationwide caste census could provide the transparency required for equitable governance.
Congress Promises Caste-Based Reforms
If elected to power, the Congress party has pledged to carry out a full caste census and eliminate the 50% reservation cap to align affirmative action with population data. Gandhi reiterated that these steps are necessary to fulfill the unaccomplished vision of social reformers like B.R. Ambedkar.
Framing the Opposition as Regressive
By labeling opponents of the caste census as “anti-national,” Gandhi positioned the census not just as a political demand but as a moral and constitutional imperative. He argued that acknowledging caste realities is essential for building an inclusive society, and those obstructing it are standing in the way of India’s democratic and social progress.
With the 2024 general elections drawing closer, the Congress party’s caste census push is expected to be a central issue in its campaign narrative focused on equity, representation, and justice.
