Is the BJP's Decision on Caste Census Truly Historic?

New Delhi, May 1 (NationPress) BJP officials on Thursday expressed their support for the Central government's groundbreaking choice to incorporate caste-based enumeration in the forthcoming national census while categorically disputing the Opposition's efforts to claim recognition for the initiative.

In light of the Centre's declaration, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated on Wednesday that this decision embodies his party's enduring dedication to social justice.

He asserted that the Modi administration had capitulated to pressure and adopted the developmental agenda previously championed by the Congress-led Opposition. Leaders from the Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the BJP had conceded to their longstanding demands.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav further claimed, "This marks a triumph for our ancestors, socialist figures, and the principles of socialism. We have persistently advocated for this, whether on the streets, in the Assembly, or through legal channels. Today, we continue to push for this, and now the BJP and NDA are compelled to align with our agenda."

In response to these assertions, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya attributed the credit for this bold and historic measure to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Maurya stated in an interview with IANS, "Neither the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, RJD, nor the INDIA bloc can take credit for this. If anyone deserves recognition, it's PM Modi, who hails from a backward class and has ascended to the highest office in the nation. Many could not bear this and have consistently opposed him -- they removed his image from posters, hurled insults, and used derogatory terms against him."

"I, along with the nation, extend our congratulations to PM Modi for this historic and transformative measure. The Opposition has now conceded defeat," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad also embraced the decision, labeling it as historic and transformative.

"Today, I express my gratitude to PM Modi; he has taken a landmark step. When the census occurs, it will unveil the challenges faced by various segments of society, indicating who is educated and who is marginalized, allowing for tailored implementation of schemes and policies," he remarked.

Nishad further criticized previous administrations for halting the caste census.

"These individuals have no authority to speak. The British were more efficient than these people; they conducted the census in 1931-41. These individuals suspended it in 1951, and it has remained inactive since then. There were significant discrepancies, such as the Nishads, who numbered 70 lakh in 1961, being categorized as OBC. They merely continue to make unfounded assertions," Nishad added.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa echoed this sentiment, commending PM Modi's leadership.

"We wholeheartedly applaud the commitment made by the Prime Minister. He promised a nationwide census, and through a caste census, we can ascertain who requires what and where. Only then can appropriate action be taken. For the country to progress and evolve into a 'Viksit Bharat', it must incorporate all sections of society," he stated.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh directed a pointed critique at RJD and Congress, stating, "Lalu Prasad dedicated his life to serving Sonia Gandhi, suppressing reservations, and prospering under Congress. He governed in the name of the Mandal Commission but never executed it. It is Narendra Modi who has rectified the decades-long transgressions of Lalu and Congress."