KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant development for Indian politics, the Central Cabinet has finally approved the Caste Census in India, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing political discourse. This move has sent shockwaves through the opposition, especially as it was a major issue that had been gaining momentum during the Lok Sabha elections and in subsequent state elections. Congress, RJD, and Samajwadi Party were all planning to leverage the caste census as a key issue to corner the ruling BJP. However, with the government’s decision to move forward with the caste census, it seems the opposition’s crucial political tool may have slipped through their hands.

This article takes a deep dive into the political implications of the Caste Census decision, the government’s reasoning, and its potential impact on the upcoming Bihar elections and other state elections. We will also examine how the opposition planned to use the caste census and how the ruling BJP is handling the situation now.

Caste Census in India: A Major Political Issue

Background and Opposition Strategy

The caste census has been a subject of intense debate in Indian politics for years. The opposition, led by prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi of Congress, Tejashwi Yadav of RJD, and Akhilesh Yadav of Samajwadi Party, had been vocal about the need for a caste-based count to ensure that the reservation system in India is fair and benefits those who need it most.

During the Lok Sabha elections, the issue of caste census gained significant traction, especially in the states where caste-based politics play a crucial role. The opposition used the demand for caste-based data as an important tool to target the ruling BJP, accusing the government of neglecting the needs of marginalized communities. They argued that such a census would provide accurate data to decide on the reservation and affirmative action policies in India.

In Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav of RJD had taken a proactive stance on the issue, calling for a state-wide caste survey. The Bihar government, under Nitish Kumar, took a significant step by conducting a caste-based survey, which added fuel to the political fire. RJD and its allies were gearing up to leverage this issue in the Bihar Assembly elections and in other state elections, anticipating that it could sway voter sentiment in their favor.

Central Government Bows Down: Approval of Caste Census

The Central Government’s Backpedaling on Caste Census

The central government initially rejected the idea of conducting a caste census, citing technical challenges. During hearings in the Supreme Court, the government argued that conducting a detailed caste-based census would be complex and require significant resources. The issue of caste-based data had remained a point of contention, with many in the government asserting that the country’s demographic and social data could be collected without focusing on caste.

However, after persistent demands from opposition parties and mounting pressure, the Central Cabinet decided to approve the Caste Census. The decision marked a significant shift in the government’s stance and essentially neutralized the opposition’s primary argument for the 2025 elections. The BJP now appears to have taken control of the narrative, as it had been reluctant to commit to the caste census earlier.

The census approval could have far-reaching implications for Indian politics. In particular, the ruling government’s endorsement of the caste census could change the way reservation and social justice policies are framed, especially in states like Bihar, where caste-based politics play a pivotal role.

Impact of Caste Census on Bihar Elections

Bihar Assembly Elections: A Turning Point for the Opposition

The timing of the caste census approval could have a profound impact on the Bihar elections scheduled for later this year. Bihar has a complex caste-based voting system, and parties like RJD, Congress, and Samajwadi Party have been positioning caste-based issues as a major plank for the upcoming polls.

Opposition parties had hoped to use the demand for a caste census as a central issue in the elections, particularly in Bihar, where the idea of a caste-based survey was already gaining ground. Rahul Gandhi, along with other opposition leaders, had been vocal about his commitment to conducting a caste census and using its findings to recalibrate reservation laws.

However, with the central government now agreeing to the caste census, the opposition’s narrative has been significantly weakened. The BJP can now claim credit for the move, stating that it was their initiative to bring about the caste census. This move effectively removes the issue from the opposition’s arsenal and leaves them with fewer points of attack going into the Bihar elections.

Congress and Opposition’s Loss of Political Ground

The Shifting Political Landscape

For the Congress party, the caste census issue was seen as a major opportunity to make inroads into the caste-based politics in Bihar and other states. Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly promised that his government would prioritize conducting a caste census if Congress came to power. He also stated that reservation policies would be revamped based on the census findings, making it a key issue for many marginalized communities.

However, with the central government’s approval of the caste census, Congress and other opposition parties are now in a defensive position. Their attempts to use the caste census as a tool for electoral gains have been blunted. The BJP will likely frame the approval as a positive step towards social justice and try to take credit for resolving a key issue that was previously being used against them by the opposition.

In addition, with the Bihar Assembly elections and other state elections on the horizon, the opposition will have to recalibrate its strategy. The caste census, which was to be their “Brahmastra” (ultimate weapon), has now been neutralized by the government’s move.

BJP’s Strategic Victory

BJP’s Control Over the Caste Census Narrative

The BJP, which had initially resisted calls for a caste census, has now secured a major strategic victory by approving the proposal. The BJP can now position itself as the party that took the historic step of conducting the caste census, ensuring that marginalized communities receive their due share of benefits under the reservation system.

Furthermore, the BJP will likely use this move to assert that it is committed to social justice and inclusivity. The government may now push for the implementation of new policies based on the data from the caste census, potentially affecting reservation policies and other affirmative action programs.

The BJP’s leadership will undoubtedly use the caste census as a key talking point in the 2025 Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing their role in delivering a long-awaited social reform.

Caste Census and Its Long-Term Impact

Political and Social Ramifications

The approval of the caste census has several political and social implications. First, it could reshape the discourse around reservation and affirmative action in India, with more precise data available on caste demographics. This data could lead to changes in the reservation system, ensuring that the benefits reach those who need them most.

Secondly, the caste census could also spark intense debates about social justice, especially in terms of how to best allocate resources to marginalized communities. The census data could lead to new policy frameworks, particularly in states where caste-based voting is dominant, such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Finally, the political ramifications of the caste census will extend beyond Bihar and other state elections. The issue could play a pivotal role in the 2025 Lok Sabha elections, influencing how different political parties align themselves on matters of social equity, justice, and reservation.

The approval of the Caste Census by the Central Cabinet has set the stage for a new chapter in Indian politics. While it may seem like a win for the BJP, it could also reshape the political landscape in ways that are difficult to predict. The opposition, now deprived of a major issue, will need to find new ways to connect with voters in the upcoming elections.

With the caste census now on track, all eyes will be on how the BJP leverages this data for policy reforms and electoral advantages in the future. The opposition, meanwhile, will have to reassess its strategy and focus on other issues to win the trust of the electorate.