Should Credit be Given to Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav for the Caste Census?

Mumbai, May 1 (NationPress) Following the approval of caste enumeration in the upcoming Census by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abu Azmi, the Maharashtra President of the Samajwadi Party, expressed his approval of the decision on Thursday. Azmi emphasized that it would be appropriate to acknowledge the efforts of Akhilesh Yadav, President of the Samajwadi Party, and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, who have been advocating for a caste census for quite some time.

In a statement to IANS, Abu Azmi remarked, “I fully welcome this decision. It should be noted that leaders like Akhilesh Yadav and the INDIA Bloc have been vocal in their demand for a caste census for many years. Their belief has always been that a larger population deserves a fair share of resources, which they have not been receiving.”

“Both the Sachar Committee and the Rehman Committee, which were established by the government, highlighted the dire conditions faced by Muslims, which are often more severe than those encountered by Dalits,” he added. “There is a significant deficiency in housing, educational institutions, and job opportunities for Muslims. Currently, only about two to three percent of Muslims are represented in government jobs. Hence, if this decision is implemented now, it will be incredibly advantageous.”

Azmi argued that if credit is attributed to the INDIA Bloc, along with Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, it would be justified, as they have tirelessly advocated for a caste census, while those who previously opposed it are now embracing it.

He further insisted that the caste census should commence immediately. “We are pleased that the caste census has been completely sanctioned. It should begin tomorrow without delay. The sooner it is initiated, the sooner the public will trust the authenticity of this decision,” he stated.

In addition, Azmi addressed the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, asserting, “Decisive measures should be taken against terrorism. I recently watched a video of PM Modi stating that terrorism knows no religion and urged that no community should be blamed for it. I concur with this viewpoint.”

“However, I urge PM Modi to also denounce the violence inflicted on Muslims in various areas following the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Reports indicate that Muslims have been attacked, their businesses have been targeted, and individuals have been compelled to recite Hanuman Chalisa before making purchases. This constitutes a form of separatism. I call upon Modi ji to reaffirm his previous stance against terrorism vocally.”