Rahul: Cong govts will conduct caste surveys

NT Correspondent

New Delhi: Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday announced the initiation of a caste survey by the four state governments governed by the party, including Karnataka.

This would be followed by a comprehensive socio-economic survey. Gandhi disclosed the decision of the Congress Working Comittee (CWC) in the presence of four Congress CMs: Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan, Bhupesh Baghel of Chhattisgarh, Siddaramaiah of Karnataka and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh.

He emphasized that the CWC had unanimously resolved not only to support the demand for a nationwide caste census but also exert pressure on the Narendra Modi government to conduct it.

He stated, "This historic decision by the CWC means we will not only back the demand but also compel the BJP to either carry out a caste census or step aside so that we can undertake it. The nation requires a caste census."

Rahul Gandhi highlighted that a census revealing the composition of OBC (Other Backward Classes), Dalit, and Adivasi communities in the country would create a pathway to a "new development paradigm."

He likened the importance of a caste census to that of an X-ray, which would enable governments to diagnose the real issues and enhance the involvement of economically disadvantaged individuals in governance.

He also pointed out that while PM Modi appeared to be deflecting attention, the Congress would assert its influence on the issue.

A caste census, according to him, is about identifying the economically disadvantaged in the country.

Rahul Gandhi asks journalists in presser...

• "How many of you are Dalits?" No reply
• "How many of you are Adivasis?" No reply
• "How many of you are OBCs?" No one raised their hand
• Rahul then said, "This is why the caste census is needed—to know the truth.