In a significant move towards fostering social justice and inclusivity, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened on Monday and fervently passed a resolution advocating a nationwide caste census. The decision, made during the high-level CWC meeting in Delhi, aims to conduct this comprehensive census not only in Congress-ruled states but also at the national level if the party secures victory in the 2024 elections.
Addressing the press after the meeting, CWC member and former president Rahul Gandhi emphasized the crucial role a caste census plays in shaping India’s future. He expressed the party’s commitment to ensuring this census becomes a reality. Additionally, Gandhi highlighted the party’s plan to conduct an economic survey, emphasizing the party’s dedication to justice and equality for all citizens.
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Gandhi stated, “The Congress party is resolute in its support for the caste census and is determined to push the BJP to either conduct the census or step aside for us to do so. While there might be differing opinions within the India alliance, the majority stands united in favor of the caste census, reflecting our flexibility as a democratic alliance.”
Taking a strong stance against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi criticized his government’s inaction regarding the caste census. He questioned the PM’s dedication to the OBC community, citing the lack of substantial initiatives. According to Gandhi, the PM’s reluctance to address this issue stems from his administration’s indifference towards marginalized communities.
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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who chaired the CWC meeting, urged party members to work cohesively, emphasizing discipline and unity as crucial factors for the party’s success in the upcoming elections. Kharge further declared that the Congress, if elected in 2024, would promptly implement the women reservation bill, underlining the party’s commitment to social justice and progressive development.
Echoing Gandhi’s sentiments, Kharge emphasized the importance of a nationwide caste census. He stressed that conducting such a census was essential to ensuring social justice and the rights of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in proportion to their population.
The CWC meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh, along with the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leaders from the five poll-bound states. With elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Telangana scheduled between November 7 and November 30, the Congress party’s focus on social justice and inclusive development has taken center stage in its election agenda.
Congress Initiates Caste Census Drive Following Eye-Opening Interaction
In a candid moment, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi invited journalists to identify themselves if they belonged to Dalit, tribal, or Other Backward Classes (OBCs) communities. A video shared on X by Congress revealed that no hands were raised in response, prompting Gandhi to express his concern. The incident served as a catalyst for the Congress party’s decision to conduct a caste census in their governed states.
In the video, Gandhi questioned the absence of representation and emphasized the need to understand the demographics within institutions. He stressed the party’s commitment to scrutinizing institutions, assets, properties, and population figures to ensure equity and justice.
Earlier, Gandhi announced the Congress party’s historic decision to conduct a caste census in states under its governance, including Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. He clarified that the move aimed to benefit economically disadvantaged citizens, emphasizing that it transcended considerations of religion or caste.
The decision gains significance against the backdrop of Bihar government’s recent controversial release of a caste-based survey, just months ahead of the pivotal 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The survey disclosed that OBCs constituted 63% of Bihar’s population, with Scheduled Castes (SCs) representing over 19%, Scheduled Tribes (STs) 1.68%, and upper castes (‘savarnas’) 15.52%.