Congress leader Randeep Surjewala, in a May 5, 2025 press conference, clarified the Congress party's stance on the caste census. He alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s DNA is inherently opposed to a caste census, a position he claimed the BJP and RSS have consistently maintained.
Surjewala on Caste Census: Congress leader Randeep Surjewala leveled serious accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a May 5, 2025 press conference regarding the caste census. He stated that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have always opposed the caste census, not only publicly but also by opposing it in court. Surjewala also claimed that the Congress initiated the caste census in 2011, but the BJP strategically discarded it.
Surjewala's Accusation: BJP's DNA is Anti-Caste Census
During the press conference, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala stated, "The BJP and RSS's DNA is opposed to a caste census. In 2011, Congress initiated the caste census, and its report was released in 2015. However, the BJP conspired to dismiss that report." Surjewala also alleged that the BJP not only opposed the issue but also filed a case in court to prevent the caste census.
He further stated that when Congress initiated the caste census in 2011, the BJP and RSS opposed it. Now, 15 years later, the BJP has seemingly yielded to pressure from Dalits and marginalized communities.
'Caste Census Will Ensure Equal Rights'
The Congress leader emphasized the importance of the caste census. He said a caste census would ensure that all communities receive equal rights. He argued that a caste census is essential for progress towards equality in society. Surjewala also stated that Congress has always prioritized and supported this issue.
He further accused the BJP of promoting inequality by rejecting the census. Congress believes that participation should reflect representation, and a caste census is necessary to achieve this. Surjewala claimed the BJP has always aimed to keep caste-based data private because it could impact their political agenda.
Priyanka Gandhi's Support
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also issued a statement supporting the caste census. She said her brother, Rahul Gandhi, had raised this issue and consistently spoken about it, while the BJP bly opposed it. Priyanka Gandhi also mentioned that the BJP mocked Rahul Gandhi in Parliament on this issue, but the situation has now changed.
Priyanka stated, "Due to pressure from people across the country, the central government had to decide to conduct the caste census transparently. I hope the government will do this work correctly and collect accurate data for all communities."
BJP's Opposition and Government's Shift
This comes after the central government recently announced that the next census will transparently include a caste census. This announcement followed Congress' b advocacy on the issue, with Rahul Gandhi presenting it as a national matter. Congress leaders say a caste census is crucial for the welfare of marginalized communities, ensuring they receive appropriate rights and facilities.
However, the BJP and RSS have always opposed this, arguing that a caste-based census would further divide society and negatively impact social fabric. The BJP believes the census should only assess population, not create caste-based divisions.
