Under Pressure from Opposition, Modi Govt Announces Caste Census but Timeline Still Unclear
New Delhi | April 30, 2025 In a significant political shift, the Modi-led Union government has announced its decision to carry out a caste census alongside the long-delayed decadal census. The announcement comes amidst mounting pressure from the opposition, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has consistently championed the demand for a caste census to ensure equitable distribution of state resources.
Home Minister Amit Shah described the decision as “historic,” claiming it reflects the government’s commitment to social justice. However, the sudden policy reversal by the BJP, which had long opposed the idea on grounds of social divisiveness, has sparked speculation over the real motivations—especially after a string of electoral setbacks and increased traction of caste-based coalitions led by opposition forces.
Rahul Gandhi’s aggressive campaign calling for a nationwide caste census and the breaking of the 50% reservation ceiling set by the Supreme Court played a crucial role in shifting the narrative. His messaging resonated with OBC and Dalit communities, especially after the successful implementation of caste surveys and data-driven welfare programs by opposition-led state governments in Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka.
Despite the announcement, concerns remain over the lack of a clear timeline. With the decadal census still pending since 2021 and no fixed start date in sight, critics fear the caste census could face similar delays. The government had earlier tied the implementation of the women’s reservation bill to the same census, further deepening skepticism.
Political analysts believe the BJP is trying to regain the trust of non-dominant communities, especially with upcoming state elections where caste representation will be a central theme. The growing influence of coalition allies like JD(U) and TDP, both vocal on social justice, may have also compelled the BJP to act.
Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders have termed the announcement a partial victory but are now demanding an immediate rollout plan. “This is the power of people’s unity,” Gandhi said in a statement, “but we must stay vigilant to ensure that the BJP doesn’t bury this promise under red tape.”
As the political battleground sharpens ahead of key assembly polls, the caste census—long resisted and now reluctantly embraced—could emerge as a defining factor in India’s evolving socio-political landscape.