In a significant departure from its previous stance, the Union government has opted to include caste information in the forthcoming census. Although the census date has yet to be revealed, this decision represents a substantial policy shift—particularly as it arrives just before elections in Bihar, a state where caste significantly influences political dynamics.
Political analyst Manisha Priyam perceives this choice as tactical. “This is a political maneuver. The BJP is now positioning itself against traditional socialist parties such as the Janata Dal, which have historically endorsed caste-based politics. With the Bihar elections approaching, the BJP aims to demonstrate its support for backward communities,” she stated.
Opposition parties like the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have consistently advocated for a caste census. The Congress has even incorporated this as a central element of its electoral commitments. However, BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, previously criticized this demand.
In July 2021, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai notably mentioned in Parliament that the government did not intend to count the caste-based population beyond Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Nonetheless, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has adopted a measured approach, endorsing the concept while cautioning against its potential misuse. Desh Ratan Nigam, a political analyst aligned with RSS thought, warned, “The caste census should not be wielded as a political tool… it must serve as a data-driven affirmative action plan, not a means to fragment society.”
Nigam observed that while Congress and other Opposition parties have been promoting this initiative to challenge the BJP and RSS’s cultural nationalism, the aim should be to foster social harmony. “It is essential to ensure it does not establish new divisions… the intent should be data for welfare, rather than for political gain,” he added.
Sandeep Shastri, VP at NITTE Education Trust, noted that the announcement grants the government additional time. “By stating that a caste census will occur, they’ve effectively deferred the issue by a year or two. Conversations surrounding caste surveys nationwide may now decelerate,” he clarified.
Shastri also highlighted that the BJP has embraced a long-standing issue championed by the Opposition. “The ruling party has, in essence, assumed the Opposition’s political mantle by adopting their demand,” he remarked.
He emphasized that caste continues to be a fundamental identity in Indian politics, despite attempts to transcend it. The commitment to a caste census evokes fresh optimism, yet the timeline is still uncertain—no date has been announced for when the census will occur or when the results will be available.
For the entire discussion, watch the accompanying video
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(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
