Is Caste Census Part of BJP's Ideology?
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Synopsis
The Congress party accuses the BJP of obstructing the caste census, claiming it contradicts the party's foundational beliefs. Senior leaders highlight the historical context and the ongoing fight for social justice and equitable representation for marginalized communities. Discover why the caste census is viewed as essential for policy-making.
Key Takeaways
- Caste census is essential for social justice.
- The BJP's resistance reflects ideological beliefs.
- Congress champions equitable representation.
- Historical opposition from RSS plays a role.
- Marginalized communities demand their fair share based on population.
Patna, May 5 (NationPress) The Congress party has criticized the BJP-led government at the Centre regarding the caste census, asserting that conducting a caste-based survey is not part of the BJP's DNA.
Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala stated, “The caste census is not in the BJP's DNA. The Modi administration has hindered attempts to tally the population of marginalized groups for years and has even resisted it in the Supreme Court.”
He accused the BJP of intentionally delaying the caste-based census, thereby denying social justice to Dalits, backward castes, and other marginalized communities.
Surjewala referenced the historical opposition to caste enumeration by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological backbone of the BJP.
He said, “On May 23 and June 6, 2010, RSS leader Bhaiyaji Joshi clearly articulated that the RSS is against caste counting in the census. These statements were featured in the RSS's publication, Organiser.”
Referring to the caste census as a unifying force for social justice, Surjewala reiterated the Congress party’s enduring commitment to the initiative.
“The Congress's dedication to social justice and the caste census are intertwined,” he remarked, highlighting that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, has dedicated his life to advocating for the caste census over the past 11 years.
Surjewala recalled that the Congress-led UPA government initiated a Social, Economic, and Caste Census (SECC) in 2011, with the final report submitted to the Modi government on July 3, 2015.
“Rather than taking action, the Modi government has deliberately disregarded the report, effectively burying crucial data needed for implementing caste-based policies,” he charged.
He also referred to a legal instance where the Maharashtra government submitted a petition in the Supreme Court (CWP 841/2021) for caste data to support OBC reservations in local governance.
“In a shocking move, the Modi government opposed this in an affidavit filed on September 21, 2021, claiming that inquiries about caste would disrupt the entire census process,” he stated.
Surjewala concluded by emphasizing the importance of the caste census as a fundamental demand for fair policy-making and representation, asserting that the underprivileged and marginalized are seeking their rightful share based on their population and rights.
Point of View
The ongoing debate about the caste census highlights a significant divide in political ideology. The BJP's resistance suggests a reluctance to address long-standing social inequalities. Conversely, the Congress's commitment to caste enumeration reflects a push for social justice and equitable representation. This discourse is vital for understanding the socio-political landscape of the nation.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the caste census important?
The caste census is crucial for understanding the population dynamics of marginalized communities, ensuring equitable representation and the formulation of policies that address social injustices.
What has the BJP government's stance been on caste census?
The BJP government has historically opposed the caste census, claiming it disrupts the census process and is not aligned with their ideological beliefs.
How does the Congress party view the caste census?
The Congress party views the caste census as a fundamental tool for social justice and equitable policy-making, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
What historical context surrounds the caste census debate?
The opposition to caste-based enumeration has roots in the ideology of the RSS, with key figures publicly declaring their stance against caste counting in previous years.
What actions have been taken regarding the caste census?
The UPA government initiated a caste census in 2011, but the subsequent Modi government has delayed its implementation and neglected the final report.
