Congress Pushes PM Modi for Dialogue on Caste Census—Will BJP Agree ?
Mallikarjun Kharge to PM Modi: “Don’t Call Caste Census Divisive, Let’s Talk”
In a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged the government to hold a dialogue with all political parties on the caste census issue. According to Kharge, conducting a caste-based survey should not be viewed as divisive or politically motivated, but rather as a step toward equality and justice.
This move by the Congress comes amid increasing pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that the caste census is essential for targeted welfare and inclusive policy-making.
What Did Kharge Say in the Letter?
A Call for Dialogue, Not Division
Kharge’s letter highlights a plea for cooperation rather than confrontation. Addressing Prime Minister Modi directly, he wrote:
“A caste census shouldn’t be considered divisive. It’s about identifying and understanding social realities so that welfare policies can be better designed.”
Kharge’s key points included:
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The need for an updated understanding of India’s caste demographics.
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The importance of inclusivity in policy formulation.
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An open invitation for an all-party meeting to discuss the way forward.
Why Is the Caste Census a Big Deal Right Now
India Hasn’t Had a Full Caste Census Since 1931
While India collects data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in every census, it has not conducted a comprehensive caste-based enumeration of all communities since 1931. This leaves policymakers and researchers without updated figures on Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other social groups.
Recent Momentum From Bihar
The Bihar caste survey, released by the Nitish Kumar-led government in 2023, reignited the national debate. It revealed that OBCs and EBCs make up more than 60% of the state’s population, pushing political leaders to call for proportional representation in jobs, education, and welfare.
Congress, JD(U), RJD, and other regional parties have since been pushing the Centre to conduct a similar nationwide survey.
What Is the Congress Party’s Stand
Support for Social Justice
Kharge’s Congress party has openly backed the caste census, arguing it is the only way to ensure fair distribution of resources and to identify disadvantaged sections of society more accurately.
They have also accused the BJP-led Centre of avoiding the issue out of fear that the data might demand greater reservations or welfare schemes for OBCs and other underrepresented groups.
Opposition Parties Rally Behind Kharge’s Message
Several opposition leaders have echoed Kharge’s demand:
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Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) and Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) have long championed the caste census.
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Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party called the data “necessary to establish real social justice.”
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Even DMK and Left parties support the move, creating rare political unity on this issue.
Kharge’s letter could be a step toward building a united front ahead of future elections, with the caste census becoming a central campaign issue.
What Is the BJP’s Position
So far, the BJP-led central government has avoided committing to a nationwide caste census. Officials have argued that the exercise is logistically complex and may trigger social unrest.
However, critics accuse the party of being afraid of what the data might reveal—specifically that OBCs and other backward groups could demand more reservations, disrupting existing caste hierarchies and power structures.
While some BJP leaders like Union Minister Ramdas Athawale have shown cautious support, the overall stance remains ambiguous.
Will This Spark a National Movement
Kharge’s letter has brought the caste census issue back into national headlines. With elections approaching and public demand for transparency in welfare distribution growing, pressure is mounting on the central government to respond.
Caste has always been a major factor in Indian politics, but now it’s being framed not just as identity, but as a tool for economic and social development.
If PM Modi agrees to dialogue, it could mark a rare moment of political consensus. If not, it may become a major election flashpoint.
What’s Next
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Will PM Modi respond to Kharge’s call for an all-party meeting?
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Could the opposition use this issue to build a unified platform for the 2026 general elections?
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Will the central government finally agree to conduct a full-scale caste census?
The coming weeks could decide the future of social justice and representation in India.
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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to PM Modi urging an all-party dialogue on the caste census.
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He argued the census should be seen as a tool for justice, not as a divisive political issue.
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The letter follows renewed national interest after Bihar’s caste survey revealed OBCs and EBCs make up most of the population.
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The opposition is unified, while the BJP remains non-committal.
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With elections near, the caste census could become a defining political issue.
