Opinion: The Modi government may soon make a significant decision regarding a caste census, as indicated by recent comments from Home Minister Amit Shah. During a press conference marking 100 days of Modi’s third term, Shah hinted that the long-delayed 2021 census could begin soon. He also mentioned that any decision on a caste census would be revealed along with the upcoming census plans. These remarks have fueled speculation that the government may surprise the opposition by agreeing to conduct a caste-based census.
Opposition’s Long-Standing Demand for a Caste Census
Opinion: The demand for a caste census is not new. Leaders like Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former CM Lalu Prasad Yadav have been vocal advocates for it. During the UPA government, despite early demands, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declined the proposal. Although a caste census was eventually conducted under the UPA, the results were never made public.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, made the caste census a central issue. The party even promised it in their manifesto, stating they would implement it if they came to power. Congress-led governments in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka also initiated caste censuses in the past, but the reports were never released.
Congress’s Strategy and BJP’s Response
Congress used the caste census as a tool against the BJP in the 2024 elections, which may have contributed to BJP’s relatively lower seat count. This development made it crucial for BJP to find a counter-strategy. It appears that BJP is now prepared to meet the opposition’s demand head-on by conducting the caste census.
BJP Leaders Back Caste Census
While the BJP has never explicitly opposed a caste census, Amit Shah’s statements suggest that the government is considering the idea seriously. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speeches, has accused the opposition of dividing society along caste lines for political gain. Shah has repeatedly emphasized that BJP is not against the caste census, and the party’s actions support this stance. When the Supreme Court asked the central government’s position on the Bihar caste survey, BJP did not oppose it.
Moreover, BJP leaders in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh have shown support for a caste census.
NDA Allies Supportive of Caste Census
NDA allies like JDU and LJP are also in favor of a caste census, much like the INDIA alliance. These parties believe that a caste-based headcount is essential, aligning with the demands of Congress and other opposition parties.
RSS Signals Support with Caution
Even the RSS, an influential entity in BJP’s ideological framework, has indicated a positive stance toward the caste census. However, it has also cautioned that such a census should not be used for political purposes. This shift in RSS’s position may have further nudged the Modi government towards considering the caste census seriously.
In conclusion, the Modi government’s decision on the caste census could surprise the opposition, which has long tried to claim this issue as its own. If Modi’s government takes this step, it could reshape the political landscape ahead of future elections.
