Congress and INDIA Bloc Promise True Nationwide Caste Census and End to Reservation Limit
Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP of ‘False Promise’ on Caste Census
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP-led central government of making a caste census announcement under pressure, without the intention to follow through.
Speaking at the launch of the Voter Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram in Bihar, Gandhi declared that Congress and the INDIA bloc are committed to:
- Conducting a nationwide caste census
- Removing the 50% cap on reservations
“I Said It Before PM Modi,” Claims Gandhi
“We had demanded a caste census and breaking the 50% quota wall in Parliament — long before PM Modi,” said Gandhi during the rally.
He added that the Modi government’s recent announcement to include caste data in the upcoming population census was not sincere.
“They won’t carry out a true caste census, nor will they remove the 50% cap,” Gandhi asserted.
Voter Adhikar Yatra Launched in Bihar
The 1,300-km long Voter Adhikar Yatra aims to highlight voter rights and alleged electoral issues like “vote chori” (vote theft). It will pass through over 20 districts in Bihar.
Key participants at the launch included:
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge
- RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav
- LoP Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav
- VIP Leader Mukesh Sahani
- CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya
- CPI(M) Leader Subhashini Ali
- CPI’s P. Sandosh Kumar
Tejashwi Yadav kicked off the yatra by driving a jeep carrying Rahul Gandhi and other leaders.
Background: Centre’s Caste Census Announcement
In April, the Centre announced that the next population census would include caste details — the first such move since independence.
However, opposition parties have expressed concerns over the intent and timeline of the government’s decision.
The Congress, in particular, raised questions about:
- The transparency of the process
- The lack of a clear deadline
- The true commitment to reservation reforms
Opposition’s Stand on Reservation and Social Justice
The INDIA bloc, led by Congress, has consistently advocated:
- A comprehensive caste census
- Data-driven social justice policies
- An increase in reservation limits beyond 50%
According to Gandhi, real empowerment is only possible when all communities are accurately counted and fairly represented.
Also Read : Election Commission Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Voter Data Misuse Claims
