Prashant Kishor Slams Nitish Government Over Caste Census, Warns Against Political Exploitation

KKN Gurugram Desk | The political heat in Bihar has intensified following the Central Government’s formal approval of a nationwide caste census, sparking widespread debate across party lines. While some political factions have welcomed the move as a long-overdue step toward inclusive governance, others have questioned its implementation and intent.

One of the most critical voices to emerge in the aftermath of the announcement is that of Prashant Kishor, political strategist and founder of the Jan Suraaj movement, who has taken sharp aim at both the Bihar state government led by Nitish Kumar and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre.

Background: Central Government Clears Nationwide Caste Census

On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) gave its approval to conduct a full caste-based enumeration alongside the upcoming national census. This marks a historic shift, as previous caste-based data collection was partial or restricted to specific backward classes.

This decision comes after years of demands by regional parties, civil society organizations, and even some national political figures, citing the need for accurate socio-economic data to design targeted welfare policies.

Prashant Kishor’s Reaction: “Bihar Already Conducted It, But What Changed?”

During a Jan Suraaj campaign interaction in Naugachia (Bihar), Prashant Kishor dismissed the hype around the Central government’s announcement, reminding the public that Bihar had already conducted its caste survey 2–3 years ago.

“The real question is not about conducting a caste census. The real question is — what did the government do with the data it already collected?” said Kishor.

He criticized both the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar and the BJP for turning the caste census into a political tool without addressing the ground realities of caste-based inequality.

 “Data Means Nothing Without Action”

Kishor highlighted some disturbing findings from Bihar’s own caste survey and criticized the lack of policy response:

• Only 3% of Dalit children pass Class 12.

• Less than 5% of extremely backward class (EBC) children clear higher secondary exams.

• The government had promised ₹2 lakh compensation to 94 lakh poor families, yet “not even a rupee” has been disbursed, he claimed.

“Collecting data doesn’t fix problems. Acting on the data does,” Kishor asserted. “Buying books doesn’t make one a scholar. Reading them does.”

This metaphor-driven critique underscores his point that policy intent matters more than political posturing.

Political Jibes: “Neither Nitish Nor BJP Is Serious”

Kishor accused both the state and central leadership of using caste data to “bake their political bread” while ignoring the real purpose of such data — social and economic upliftment.

He further stated:

“If caste census is being used only to stir emotions, divide society, and win elections — then it’s a disaster in the making. Neither the BJP nor Nitish Kumar is committed to justice or development.”

 “Dalits and Muslims Have Been Counted for Decades – What Has Changed?”

Kishor emphasized that the Dalit population has been accounted for in the census for over 78 years, and Muslim population data has been collected for 18 years, yet there has been no substantial improvement in their educational or economic status.

He used this historical point to argue that mere data collection is not reform:

“We know these communities are poor, backward, and excluded. If their condition hasn’t improved after decades of enumeration, what makes us think new data will change anything — unless there’s political will?”

Warning Against International Diversions: “Don’t Drag Bihar Into China-Pakistan Politics”

In a significant shift from his usual rhetoric, Kishor also addressed concerns over geopolitical issues, cautioning political leaders against using China-Pakistan tensions to deflect from core issues like education and employment.

“National security is the Centre’s responsibility. Bihar shouldn’t be dragged into foreign policy debates to distract from our real issues.”

He reiterated that the people of Bihar are concerned about jobs, schools, and infrastructure — not rhetoric around border skirmishes or ideological nationalism.

 Political Context: Why Caste Census is a Flashpoint in Bihar

Bihar has long been at the center of India’s social justice discourse, with caste identity playing a key role in electoral politics. Regional parties like RJD, JD(U), and now Jan Suraaj, have vied for the support of OBCs, Dalits, and EBCs, often using caste narratives as mobilizing tools.

While Nitish Kumar initiated a caste-based survey in 2023, the final implementation of policy suggestions from the report has been either delayed or diluted. Analysts believe this gap between data and delivery has opened space for critics like Kishor to position themselves as accountability watchdogs.

 Data Without Delivery: The Core of Kishor’s Argument

Kishor’s emphasis on data-to-action echoes global best practices. Public policy experts agree that:

• Quantitative data should inform targeted policy interventions.

• Success depends not just on identifying backwardness, but budget allocation, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Political regimes often collect data for optics, without intent to implement meaningful reforms.

In Bihar’s context, the lack of follow-through has left marginalized communities skeptical and young voters disillusioned.

 Expert Opinion: What Policy Analysts Say

We spoke to public policy experts on the issue:

Dr. Meera Mishra, Development Economist:

“Prashant Kishor is asking the right questions. Data means nothing unless translated into targeted development programs. Bihar’s past surveys were a wasted opportunity.”

Prof. Abhay Shankar, JNU Political Science:

“Politicians across parties want caste data but don’t want to be held accountable for policy failures. That’s why Kishor’s argument cuts through the noise.”

With his sharp, fact-driven critique, Prashant Kishor is positioning himself as a reformist voice — one that challenges both traditional parties and the performative politics they often engage in.