CWC Calls for Caste Census, Criticizes BJP

CWC Calls for Caste Census, Criticizes BJP

VoM News Desk | October 9, 2023 | 04:37 PM IST | Politics | Follow on Google News

CWC Calls for Caste Census, Criticizes BJP

CWC Calls for Caste Census, Criticizes BJP

The Congress Working Committee has made a unanimous call for a caste census during a recent meeting. The party expressed concern that India, despite being a G20 nation, has not conducted such a census, deeming it a “matter of shame.” The Congress also accused the BJP of neglecting the country’s marginalized sections by withholding the data from the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census and failing to initiate a fresh census.

A Constitutional Duty Delayed

The Working Committee’s resolution criticized the government for postponing the decadal Census, which should have taken place in 2021 or shortly thereafter. This delay was highlighted as a failure of the government’s constitutional duty.

Rahul Gandhi Leads the Initiative

The initiative to endorse a caste census was reportedly spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi, who emphasized that the INDIA bloc would exert pressure on the BJP to conduct it. In his address, he asserted that the responsibility for conducting a caste census does not rest solely with the Prime Minister.

Gandhi emphasized that this decision is not politically motivated but is driven by a commitment to provide justice to the downtrodden. He stated, “This is not a political decision. This is a decision for providing justice to the downtrodden… Litmus tests work in chemistry, not in politics. We are promising caste census because we sincerely believe in it.”

Strong Support Within the Party

Sonia Gandhi, the former party head, expressed her unequivocal support for the caste census, declaring, “I am one hundred per cent with the caste census, and we must get it done.” The current Congress chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighted the party’s consistent advocacy for a nationwide caste-based census, noting the importance of having scientifically collected socio-economic data for marginalized sections to ensure the proper implementation of government programs and welfare schemes.

Widespread Public Support

The demand for a caste-based census has gained significant public support, especially following the release of a caste survey by the Bihar Government. This move by the Congress comes as the Election Commission announces election dates in five states, with three of them—Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh—being in the heartland where caste-based politics holds sway.

VoM News Desk

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