"World bows down...": Congress claims credit for Centre’s caste census move, BJP questions political motive

The Narendra Modi-led Centre has officially approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, a decision that was passed by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on April 30, 2025. This move marks a significant step in the national survey process, as the government plans to collect data on caste alongside other demographic information. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for policies related to social justice, affirmative action, and welfare programs targeting backward communities.

The Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, has been vocal in advocating for a caste census and claims credit for influencing the Centre’s decision. Rahul Gandhi had long pushed for the inclusion of caste enumeration as a tool to uplift backward sections of society. Following the approval, posters were displayed outside the Congress office in Delhi, asserting that it was the party’s relentless push that forced the government to take action on this matter. The poster also highlighted Gandhi's leadership in the push for the caste census, with the message, “We said Modi ji would have to get a caste Census done. We will get it done.”

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in response to the Cabinet's decision, emphasized that caste enumeration would strengthen India's social and economic structure. He mentioned that the decision would bring transparency to the process and prevent political distortion of caste data. “Considering all these facts and to ensure that the social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be transparently included in the Census instead of surveys,” Vaishnaw said.

On the other hand, the BJP has strongly contested Congress' claims of credit. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pointed out that Congress had historically opposed caste-based reservation and the caste census. He referred to past instances where Congress governments had delayed or opposed caste-based policies, specifically mentioning the Mandal Commission report, which was initially shelved by a Congress-led government. Pradhan's comments highlighted the ongoing debate regarding the role of caste in India’s political and social landscape.

This development comes just months before the Bihar Assembly elections, a state with a history of caste-driven politics. The timing has led to speculation about the political motives behind the decision. However, with the issue now firmly in the public eye, the caste census is expected to remain a key topic of discussion in the lead-up to elections, influencing both political discourse and public opinion.