“Modi Government Announces Caste Census in 2024: Opposition Leaders and NDA React”
In a landmark decision poised to have significant socio-political impact, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday announced that the upcoming national census will include a caste-based enumeration, marking a shift in the government’s stance amid long-standing demands from opposition parties and regional leaders. This decision comes after persistent calls from political parties such as the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Samajwadi Party, who have repeatedly emphasized the need for a nationwide caste census to ensure equitable social and economic policies.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the move, stating, “The Modi government, committed to social justice, has taken a historic decision today. In the CCPA meeting held under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the forthcoming census.” Shah highlighted that the move underscores the government’s dedication to inclusive development and ensuring that all sections of society are appropriately represented in policymaking.
The opposition parties were quick to claim the decision as a victory, hailing it as a culmination of decades-long efforts to bring caste realities into the national discourse. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, whose party has consistently championed the caste census, called it a win for socialist forces and late Lalu Prasad Yadav’s vision. “It’s a victory for us—the Socialists and Lalu Yadav… Earlier, all the parties from Bihar met the PM, but he denied our demand. Many of the ministers denied this, but this is the strength of ours that they have to work on our agenda,” said the former Bihar Deputy CM. He also insisted that the caste census must precede delimitation exercises and that just like SCs, STs, and Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes should also be given reserved seats in Parliament and state assemblies based on accurate data.
Congress leaders also welcomed the announcement, citing their consistent advocacy for the caste census. Jairam Ramesh posted the letter written by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to the Prime Minister on April 16, 2023, urging for a caste census, and said the recent decision proves the legitimacy of their demand. Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy added that Telangana’s earlier move to conduct a caste census set a precedent, and attributed the current announcement to the vision of Rahul Gandhi, saying, “Rahul Gandhi, who conducted the Bharat Jodo Yatra, noticed the need for a caste census. We are thankful to Narendra Modi ji and the Cabinet ministers for accepting this. This is what our leader, Rahul Gandhi, dreamed about. We are happy to see his dream being fulfilled.”
Samajwadi Party leader Ravidas Mehrotra echoed similar sentiments, calling it a win for Dalits and backward classes. “For long, the Samajwadi Party had been demanding caste census. Today, the government has accepted our demand. It is a victory for the country’s Dalits and backward classes,” he said.
Leaders from the ruling NDA alliance also reacted to the announcement, stressing the Modi government’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the majority population. Union Minister and LJP-RV leader Chirag Paswan responded to Tejashwi Yadav’s claims by stating, “Jisko jo credit lena hai wo le lein. But they are the people who were pointing fingers at us and our prime minister, saying that we will not do the caste census. The important thing is that the majority of the population in the country has this wish. My PM has given their wishes and feelings due respect.”
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has been a vocal advocate for caste census in his state, welcomed the Central Government’s decision. He called it a long-awaited step that will aid in the upliftment and development of different social classes. “Our demand for conducting caste census is old. It is a matter of great happiness that the Central Government has decided to conduct caste census. Conducting caste census will reveal the number of people of different classes, which will help in making plans for their upliftment and development. This will accelerate the development of the country,” Kumar said while thanking Prime Minister Modi.
Union Minister Nityanand Rai also highlighted the inclusive intent behind the decision, noting, “The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, headed by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has decided that caste count should be included in the upcoming Census. This shows that the present government is committed to the all-around development and values of the country and society. Even in the past, when 10% reservation was provided to the poor sections of the society, it was widely accepted in the society, and no social tension was created. Many thanks to the Prime Minister.”
The inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the national census is set to significantly influence future policy frameworks and welfare programs. It aligns with the broader political narrative of social justice and equitable representation, making it one of the most consequential decisions in recent times.
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