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The article delves into the BJP's recent decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming population census, framing it as a strategic political maneuver aimed at countering the Congress party's growing influence in the realm of caste-based politics. It highlights the backdrop of this decision, noting the ongoing tensions across the Line of Control and the impending Bihar elections. The timing of the announcement, amidst heightened national security concerns, suggests a deliberate attempt by the BJP to seize control of the caste narrative from the Congress, which has been actively advocating for a nationwide caste census. The article portrays this move as a 'surgical strike' on the Congress, implying that the BJP is attempting to undermine the opposition party's efforts to mobilize support based on caste identities. The Congress, however, has responded by claiming credit for the BJP's decision, asserting that the BJP was compelled to act due to the relentless pressure exerted by the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi. The Telangana Chief Minister's office, in particular, has been vocal in highlighting the caste survey undertaken in the state, suggesting that it served as a model for the BJP's national initiative. The article underscores the significance of Rahul Gandhi's consistent advocacy for a caste census over the past two years. His speeches and public pronouncements have consistently emphasized the under-representation of marginalized castes in positions of power within the Indian bureaucracy. This messaging, coupled with the Congress's promise of 'Jitni aabadi, utna haq' (rights according to population), resonated with voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, contributing to the BJP's relative underperformance, especially in Uttar Pradesh. The article points to a notable shift in the BJP's stance on caste, contrasting it with earlier statements made by senior BJP leaders like Nitin Gadkari, who had previously expressed skepticism about the need for a caste census. This apparent change of heart suggests that the BJP has recognized the growing importance of caste as a political factor and the need to adapt its strategy accordingly. The author posits that Rahul Gandhi's embrace of caste politics represents a departure from the traditional approach of the Congress party, as exemplified by his father, Rajiv Gandhi, and other Congress Prime Ministers. By actively promoting caste surveys and advocating for the removal of the 50 percent cap on reservations, Rahul Gandhi is attempting to position himself as a champion of social justice and a voice for the marginalized communities. The article explores the motivations behind the BJP's decision to adopt the caste census, suggesting that it is driven by a realization that the politics of religious polarization, symbolized by the Ram temple in Ayodhya, may have reached its limits. The BJP recognizes that caste continues to be a potent force in Indian politics, particularly in the Hindi heartland, and that it needs to proactively engage with this issue to maintain its electoral dominance. The article argues that the BJP's decision to embrace the caste census is a calculated risk, as it could potentially alienate some of its traditional supporters among the upper castes. However, the BJP appears to believe that the potential gains from consolidating the support of OBCs and other marginalized castes outweigh the risks. The article acknowledges that the Congress's caste-based appeals failed to gain traction in some recent assembly elections, but it suggests that the BJP is wary of the potential for caste to play a decisive role in upcoming elections in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The author also notes the enduring importance of caste in Tamil Nadu politics, where it continues to be a key determinant of voting behavior. The article concludes by assessing the impact of the BJP's decision on the Congress's political prospects. It suggests that the Congress needs to do more than simply accuse the BJP of copying its ideas. The Congress needs to demonstrate its commitment to empowering marginalized communities in states where it is in power, such as Telangana and Karnataka. This will likely face resistance from dominant castes and influential groups, as is already evident in Karnataka. The author also cautions against repeating the mistakes of the early 1990s, when the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations led to social unrest and political instability. The BJP needs to demonstrate that it is genuinely committed to caste equality and that its embrace of the caste census is not simply a cynical political ploy.
The BJP's strategic embrace of the caste census represents a significant turning point in Indian politics, signaling a growing recognition of the enduring importance of caste as a determinant of electoral outcomes. For decades, Indian political parties have grappled with the complexities of caste, often attempting to navigate the sensitivities surrounding it while simultaneously seeking to mobilize support from various caste groups. The BJP, traditionally associated with a more Hindutva-oriented approach that emphasizes religious identity, has historically been wary of explicitly engaging in caste-based politics. However, the changing political landscape and the Congress party's proactive efforts to champion the cause of marginalized castes have forced the BJP to reconsider its strategy. The decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census is a clear indication that the BJP recognizes the need to adapt to the evolving dynamics of Indian society and politics. The Congress party's sustained campaign for a caste census, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi, has undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping the current political discourse. Gandhi's consistent articulation of the need for a more equitable distribution of power and resources among different caste groups has resonated with a significant segment of the population, particularly among the marginalized communities who have historically been underrepresented in positions of authority. The Congress's success in pushing the BJP onto the defensive on the issue of caste is a testament to the effectiveness of its political messaging and its ability to tap into the underlying anxieties and aspirations of various caste groups. The BJP's decision to embrace the caste census can be interpreted as a tacit acknowledgment of the Congress's success in framing the issue as one of social justice and inclusivity. However, the BJP's motivations are undoubtedly driven by a more pragmatic calculation of electoral gains. The party recognizes that it cannot afford to ignore the growing political salience of caste, particularly in key states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where caste loyalties continue to play a significant role in determining voting patterns. By proactively engaging with the issue of caste, the BJP hopes to consolidate its support among OBCs and other marginalized castes, while simultaneously countering the Congress party's efforts to mobilize these groups against it. The BJP's strategy carries inherent risks, as it could potentially alienate some of its traditional supporters among the upper castes who may view the caste census as a divisive and discriminatory measure. However, the BJP appears to believe that the potential gains from appealing to a broader base of voters outweigh the risks. The BJP's ability to successfully navigate the complexities of caste politics will depend on its ability to effectively communicate its message and address the concerns of various caste groups. The party will need to demonstrate that its commitment to caste equality is genuine and that its policies are designed to promote social justice and inclusivity. The Congress party, on the other hand, faces the challenge of maintaining its credibility on the issue of caste, particularly in states where it is in power. The party will need to demonstrate that it is committed to empowering marginalized communities and that its policies are not merely symbolic gestures but rather concrete measures that will lead to tangible improvements in the lives of the disadvantaged. The competition between the BJP and the Congress on the issue of caste is likely to intensify in the coming years, as both parties vie for the support of various caste groups. The outcome of this competition will have a significant impact on the future of Indian politics and the direction of social and economic development.
The implications of the BJP's move extend beyond mere electoral calculations, potentially reshaping the social and political landscape of India for years to come. The inclusion of caste enumeration in the national census represents a fundamental shift in the way the Indian state collects and analyzes data on its citizens. For decades, the focus has been primarily on religious and linguistic identities, with limited attention paid to the intricate web of caste hierarchies that continue to shape social relations and economic opportunities. The caste census will provide a wealth of data on the demographic composition, socio-economic status, and access to resources of various caste groups across the country. This data can be used to inform policy decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and monitor progress in addressing historical inequalities. However, the collection and use of caste data also raise a number of ethical and practical concerns. There are fears that the data could be used to further discriminate against certain caste groups or to exacerbate existing social divisions. It is crucial that the government ensures the privacy and security of the data and that it is used responsibly and transparently. The debate over the caste census also highlights the broader issue of affirmative action and reservation policies in India. The existing reservation system, which provides quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions, has been a subject of intense debate for decades. Supporters of the reservation system argue that it is necessary to address historical injustices and ensure that marginalized communities have access to opportunities. Critics, on the other hand, argue that the system is discriminatory and inefficient, and that it perpetuates caste divisions. The caste census could provide valuable data to inform the debate over reservation policies and to assess the effectiveness of the existing system. It could also help to identify new groups that may be in need of affirmative action. However, any changes to the reservation system are likely to be highly contentious and could lead to social unrest. The BJP's decision to embrace the caste census also raises questions about its long-term vision for Indian society. The party has traditionally been associated with a more assimilationist approach that emphasizes national unity and cultural homogeneity. However, the decision to engage with caste-based politics suggests that the BJP recognizes the need to accommodate the diversity of Indian society and to address the grievances of marginalized communities. It remains to be seen whether the BJP can successfully reconcile its traditional ideology with the demands of caste-based politics. The coming years will be a crucial test for Indian democracy, as the country grapples with the complexities of caste, inequality, and social justice. The caste census represents a potentially transformative tool that could help to address these challenges, but its success will depend on the wisdom and responsibility of political leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike. The data generated by the census must be used to promote social inclusion, economic opportunity, and a more just and equitable society for all Indians.
Source: BJP's hostile takeover of Rahul's caste census card signals a new political pitch