Is Rahul Gandhi Misleading the Public on the Caste Census?
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Synopsis
In a recent press conference, BJP leader K. Laxman challenged Rahul Gandhi's claims about the caste census, accusing Congress of neglecting this critical issue during their long tenure. Laxman highlighted the government's proactive steps and questioned Congress's historical opposition to caste-related initiatives. This article examines the implications for India's upcoming digital caste census.
Key Takeaways
- K. Laxman accuses Congress of neglecting the caste census.
- The upcoming census will be the first digital enumeration in India.
- Prime Minister Modi has initiated various measures for OBC welfare.
- The census is set to start on February 28, 2027.
- Historical context is crucial for understanding current political dynamics.
Bhopal, June 7 (NationPress) K. Laxman, a Rajya Sabha MP and the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) OBC Morcha, on Friday criticized the Congress for not conducting a caste census despite their rule for nearly 60 years. He specifically called out Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, for misleading the public regarding the caste census and falsely claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to it due to pressure.
Laxman, who was attending a workshop organized by the Madhya Pradesh BJP's OBC Morcha to strategize for the caste census, directed numerous questions towards Congress, particularly targeting Rahul Gandhi. He stated, "The Congress governed for almost 60 years, and three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family served as Prime Ministers during that time. I challenge Rahul Gandhi to explain why the Congress never prioritized the caste census."
During a press briefing at the BJP headquarters in Bhopal, Laxman demanded clarification on why the Kaka Kalelkar Commission faced opposition from the Congress and was not presented in Parliament for discussion, as well as why the Mandal Commission was also contested by them.
Further criticizing the Opposition, Laxman remarked that various proposals for reservations for backward classes were introduced by different committees over the years, but the Congress opposed all of them. "In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted constitutional status to the Backward Class Commission and established an 11 percent reservation for OBC students in Kendriya Vidyalayas and Sainik Schools. Over the past decade, he has implemented numerous initiatives for the benefit of the OBC community," Laxman stated.
The meeting at the BJP headquarters in Bhopal also saw the presence of Madhya Pradesh BJP leader VD Sharma and other organizational leaders, particularly from the party's OBC Morcha. This gathering occurred just two days after the BJP-led Central Government announced that the process for the caste census would commence by March 1, 2027. This will mark the first digital census in the country and the first in independent India to include caste enumeration as well.
The census is set to take place in two phases starting from February 28, 2027, with the data reference date being 12 a.m. on March 1, 2027.
Point of View
It's vital to present an unbiased perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding the caste census. The discussions led by BJP leaders highlight not just political rivalry but also a historical context that shapes current policies. It's essential for citizens to engage with this dialogue critically and understand the implications of their leaders' actions.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the caste census?
The caste census is a nationwide enumeration process that collects data on the different caste groups in India, which will help in policy-making and resource allocation.
Why is the caste census important?
It is crucial for ensuring fair representation and allocation of resources for various caste groups, particularly those considered backward or marginalized.
When will the caste census take place?
The caste census is scheduled to begin on February 28, 2027, and will be conducted in two phases.
What are the implications of this census?
The outcomes of the caste census will influence reservation policies and social welfare programs for various communities across India.
How has the BJP responded to the caste census issue?
The BJP has been proactive in supporting the caste census, emphasizing its importance for backward classes and contrasting its actions with the Congress's historical opposition.
