Kharge writes to PM Modi demanding caste census

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding an “up-to-date caste census”. The BJP had earlier this month had accused the Congress leader of being “anti-OBC”.

In the letter, Kharge pointed out that the regular decennial census was to be carried out in 2021, but it had not yet been conducted. “I am writing to you to once again place on record the demand of the Indian National Congress for an up-to-date caste census. My colleagues and I have raised this demand earlier in both Houses of Parliament on a number of occasions, as have the leaders of many other Opposition parties,” he wrote. The letter said: “In the absence of an updated caste census, I am afraid a reliable database so very essential for meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes, particularly for OBCs, is incomplete. This census is the responsibility of the Union government.”

Congress leaders have started the campaign of “Jitni Aabadi Utna Haq” as the party plans to make the Narendra Modi government’s reluctance to conduct the caste census a key focus of its campaign for the 2024 general election.

Addressing a rally in Katnataka’s Kolar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had on Sunday dared Prime Minister Modi to release the 2011 caste-based census data in the public domain and demanded that the 50 per cent cap on reservations be removed.

“UPA in 2011 did the caste-based census. It has the data of all castes. Mr Prime Minister, you talk of OBCs. Make that data public. Let the nation know how many OBCs, Dalits and tribals are there in the country,” Rahul Gandhi had said at the Congress’ “Jai Bharat” rally in Kolar.

He also added: “Please release the caste census data so that the nation knows how much is the population of OBCs, Dalits and tribals. If you don’t do this, then it is an insult to OBCs. Also, remove the cap of 50 per cent on reservations.”

Supporting the Congress’ demand for an up-to-date caste census in the country, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said it would be beneficial for all sections of society. He said: “We have been in favour of the caste census right from the very beginning. When the Central government refused to do so, we decided to conduct the caste survey on our own. It is going on in the state. The exercise will provide data to the government for carrying out work for the benefit of the weaker sections of society.” The month-long second phase of caste headcount is underway in Bihar from April 15 to May 15. The enumeration exercise, which started from January 7, will be completed by May.