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Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has consistently called for a caste census
The demand for a caste-based census has long been voiced by several opposition parties, led by the Congress. (PTI file photo)
Congress on Wednesday claimed credit for the central government’s decision to include caste survey in the upcoming population census, stating that it has long been a demand of the party.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) briefing in New Delhi, announced the government’s decision to include caste data in the upcoming census. He also criticised the Congress and its allies for using the caste census issue as a “political tool.”
The demand for a caste-based census has long been voiced by several opposition parties, led by the Congress, with many including it in their election manifestos.
In response to the Centre’s decision, many political parties and leaders welcomed the inclusion of caste data in the upcoming national survey.
Congress leader Pawan Khera, speaking to CNN-News18, said, “The timing is very interesting. We hope there is some sincerity behind the decision.”
Khera further stated that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has consistently called for a caste census. “We cannot forget Rahul Gandhi’s famous words—‘Jaati janganna hoke rahegi’ (The caste census will happen). I will say the government is with Rahul Gandhi,” he added.
Congress leader Udit Raj also reacted on X, saying, “The Modi government has been compelled to conduct a caste census. This is a victory for Congress. The Bahujan community thanks Rahul Gandhi ji, his persistent efforts have borne fruit. The BJP/RSS tried hard to stop it, but in the end, they had to yield.”
मोदी सरकार मजबूर हो गई जाति जनगणना कराने के लिए । यह कांग्रेस की जीत है । बहुजन समाज राहुल गांधी जी को धन्यवाद देता है, उनका निरंतर प्रयास रंग लाया । बहुत कोशिश किया बीजेपी/ आरएसएस ने रोकने के लिए लेकिन अंत में झुकना पड़ा ।— Dr. Udit Raj (@Dr_Uditraj) April 30, 2025
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared a letter written by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, in which Kharge had urged the PM to conduct an “up-to-date” caste census.
“On April 16 2023 – that is, over two years back – Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge had written this letter to the PM. Need anything more be said?” Ramesh wrote, along with a photo of the letter.
On April 16 2023 – that is, over two years back – Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge had written this letter to the PM. Need anything more be said? pic.twitter.com/Fx1xQnRSIE— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 30, 2025
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy congratulated the central government for the move but credited Rahul Gandhi for his role. He wrote: “Based on the vision and direction of Shri @RahulGandhi Ji who first demanded a nation-wide Caste Census during his historic #BharatJodoYatra Telangana is the first State to conduct caste survey last year.”
Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav, in a detailed post on X, reflected on his long-standing advocacy for a caste-based census.
“What we socialists thought about 30 years ago—reservation, caste census, equality, fraternity, secularism, etc.—others start following decades later. Those who called us casteist for demanding a caste-based census have received a fitting reply. There is still much left to do. We will keep making these Sanghis dance to our agenda,” Yadav stated.
