A political row has erupted after Rahul Gandhi claimed credit for the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste census. The BJP swiftly hit back, arguing that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already hinted at the move in 2024. As the Congress celebrates the government’s announcement, the BJP insists that the groundwork had long been laid and Rahul Gandhi is merely trying to capitalise on it for political mileage.
The fresh war of words began after the Union Cabinet cleared the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming population census. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress projected it as a victory of sustained opposition pressure. However, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya referred to a statement made by Amit Shah on September 18, 2024, where he indicated that such a decision was imminent.
Quoting Amit Shah’s earlier remarks, Malviya said the Union Home Minister Amit Shah had made it clear that the government’s stance would be revealed with the census announcement. He reminded critics that the Congress-led UPA had initiated a similar effort through the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census but failed to release the data due to issues in classification and accuracy.
BJP Stresses Prior Commitment
Amit Malviya accused the Congress of hypocrisy, claiming they had blocked the release of caste data when in power and were now attempting to own a move that aligns with BJP’s vision. He argued that the PM Narendra Modi government has consistently worked towards social justice and inclusivity, positioning the census update as part of this broader agenda.
He further stated that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had truly committed to caste equity by including it officially in the census. His comments followed Home Minister Amit Shah’s public endorsement of the move on social media, where he called it a landmark step towards empowering backward classes.
Political High Ground Battle
The BJP accused Congress of politicising the issue despite decades of inaction while in power. Amit Shah highlighted that the PM Narendra Modi government had now taken a concrete step that would help address the needs of underrepresented groups.
Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, has tied the caste census demand closely with his party’s electoral strategy. His call for proportional representation based on population has been a key part of the Congress campaign, especially in states where regional caste dynamics dominate.
The census exercise, which was delayed due to the pandemic, is now set to resume with added political weight, as both parties scramble to claim credit for the landmark decision.
