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The article revolves around the contentious issue of a caste census in India, specifically focusing on the contrasting viewpoints of the Congress and BJP. The Congress party has raised concerns regarding the absence of any explicit mention of caste inclusion in the recent census notification issued by the Union Home Ministry. This notification declared that the census would be carried out in 2027, but it remained silent on the subject of caste enumeration, which the government had previously announced on April 30. Jairam Ramesh, the Congress communications in-charge, questioned whether this omission represented a policy reversal by the government, referring to it as potentially another "U-turn." He further characterized the notification as a "damp squib," suggesting it simply reiterated previous announcements without providing any new or substantive information regarding the inclusion of caste data. Ramesh emphasized the Congress party's persistent advocacy for a caste census, claiming that the Prime Minister had initially resisted the idea, even labeling Congress leaders as "urban Naxals" for their demands. He highlighted the government's prior rejections of a caste census in both Parliament and the Supreme Court, contrasting these past stances with the announcement made just 47 days prior to the notification. Furthermore, Ramesh suggested that the government should emulate the Telangana model, which not only includes caste enumeration but also provides comprehensive data on caste-wise socio-economic indicators. In response to the Congress's criticism, the BJP accused the Congress of historically neglecting and disadvantaging the OBC (Other Backward Classes) and EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) communities during their time in power. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav questioned the financial responsibility for the substantial expenditure of ₹165 crore incurred by the Karnataka state government for conducting a caste survey that is now slated to be repeated. He alleged that the Congress party, under the guise of promoting social justice, was primarily motivated by social engineering and "appeasement politics." Yadav asserted that it was only under the Modi government that issues related to reservation in universities and schools were addressed, enabling individuals from these communities to overcome poverty. He cited Karnataka as a recent example of the Congress party's alleged lack of genuine commitment to the welfare of OBC and EWS communities. Yadav further questioned whether an "extra-Constitutional body like the NAC (National Advisory Council) was at play" in Karnataka, implying undue influence in the state's policies. In response to Yadav's accusations, Jairam Ramesh issued another statement urging that "history should be kept aside." He pointed out the BJP's historical opposition to the Mandal Commission in August 1991, which led to the withdrawal of support for the VP Singh government and the initiation of the Kamandal agitation as a countermeasure. Ramesh argued against delving into historical conflicts, citing the RSS's (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) opposition to the Constitution of India, Yogi Adityanath's opposition to reservations, and the opposition to reservations expressed by RSS leaders, including Mohan Bhagwat. He concluded by reiterating the importance of not dwelling on past controversies.
The core of the article lies in the political maneuvering and point-counterpoint arguments between the Congress and BJP regarding the caste census. The Congress is using the perceived silence in the recent notification as ammunition to criticize the Modi government, accusing it of inconsistency and potentially backtracking on its previous commitment. This strategy allows the Congress to position itself as the champion of social justice and the advocate for marginalized communities. By highlighting the government's past resistance to the caste census and contrasting it with the recent announcement, the Congress aims to portray the government as opportunistic and politically motivated. The reference to the Telangana model serves to present a concrete alternative and demonstrate that comprehensive caste data collection is feasible and beneficial. The BJP, on the other hand, attempts to deflect the criticism by shifting the focus to the Congress's historical record. By accusing the Congress of cheating OBC and EWS communities, the BJP aims to undermine the Congress's credibility as a proponent of social justice. The emphasis on the Modi government's supposed achievements in addressing issues related to reservation and poverty reduction is intended to showcase the BJP's commitment to the welfare of these communities. The criticism of the Karnataka caste survey as a costly and politically motivated exercise is a direct attack on the Congress's governance in the state. The questioning of the NAC's influence is a veiled accusation of improper interference and potential corruption. By framing the issue as one of appeasement politics and instigation of certain communities, the BJP seeks to rally support from other segments of the population and portray the Congress as divisive and manipulative.
The debate over the caste census is deeply intertwined with the complex socio-political landscape of India. Caste continues to be a significant determinant of social and economic status, and the enumeration of caste data has the potential to inform policy decisions aimed at addressing historical inequalities and promoting social justice. However, the issue is also highly sensitive and politically charged, as any attempt to collect and analyze caste data is likely to face opposition from various groups concerned about the potential for misuse or discrimination. The historical context is crucial to understanding the current debate. The Mandal Commission report, which recommended reservations for OBCs, triggered widespread protests and political upheaval in the 1990s. The BJP's opposition to the Mandal Commission and its subsequent attempts to mobilize support through the Kamandal agitation highlight the deep divisions and conflicting interests that exist within Indian society. The RSS's historical opposition to the Constitution and reservations further underscores the complex and often contradictory positions held by various political actors. The Congress and BJP's differing stances on the caste census reflect their broader ideological orientations and electoral strategies. The Congress, traditionally associated with social justice and inclusive policies, sees the caste census as an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to these values and appeal to marginalized communities. The BJP, while often portraying itself as a party of national unity and development, has also sought to consolidate its support among OBCs and other social groups. The debate over the caste census is therefore a microcosm of the broader struggle for political power and social dominance in India. Ultimately, the decision on whether to include caste in the census will have far-reaching implications for Indian society, impacting everything from policy formulation to political alignments. The ongoing political wrangling between the Congress and BJP underscores the importance of careful consideration and broad consultation to ensure that any decision is both fair and effective in promoting social justice and equality.
Source: Cong flags caste exclusion in census notification, BJP brings up Karnataka caste recount