KKN Gurugram Desk | The Centre’s decision to conduct a nationwide caste census has reignited political debate across India, particularly in Bihar, where caste dynamics significantly shape electoral outcomes. Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, has written a detailed letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing cautious optimism while questioning the BJP’s previous stance on the issue.

Tejashwi, who has long been a vocal proponent of caste-based data collection, shared the letter publicly via his social media account on X (formerly Twitter), sparking renewed debate over caste representation, social justice, and political accountability.

What Tejashwi Yadav Wrote to the Prime Minister

In his letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Tejashwi Yadav said:

“Following your government‘s announcement of a nationwide caste census, I write to you today in the spirit of cautious optimism. For years, your government and the NDA alliance dismissed the demand for caste enumeration, labeling it as divisive and unnecessary. When Bihar initiated its own caste survey using state resources, the Union government and its top legal functionaries obstructed the effort at every step.”

He added that BJP leaders questioned the very need for such data and made “crude and unbecoming” remarks to discredit the process.

Tejashwi: Caste Census a Step Toward Social Awakening

Tejashwi emphasized that Bihar’s caste survey, which revealed that OBC and EBC communities constitute nearly 63% of the state’s population, shattered several myths that had been used to maintain the status quo.

“We expect similar patterns to emerge across India. Despite forming the majority of our population, marginalized communities remain underrepresented across sectors. The release of national caste data will serve as a powerful democratic awakening.”

He also mentioned that the central government’s “delayed decision” indirectly acknowledges the legitimacy of long-standing public demand for accurate socio-economic data along caste lines.

Political Background: From Opposition to Implementation

The BJP and its allies have historically opposed the idea of caste census, especially at the national level, arguing that it could foster division and lead to vote bank politics. However, the growing demand from regional parties like the RJD, JD(U), DMK, and SP, and the public pressure for OBC empowerment, appears to have forced a policy shift.

During the 2024 general elections, the caste census became a central issue, especially after the Bihar caste survey results were made public. The data revealed major disparities in representation, sparking calls for reservation revision and redistributive justice.

Why the Caste Census Matters: Key Arguments

Proponents of the caste census argue:

• Policy Formulation: Accurate data is essential for evidence-based policymaking targeting welfare schemes, education, employment, and social upliftment.

• Representation Analysis: Caste data will reveal the true status of marginalized communities in public services, judiciary, and institutions.

• Myth-Busting: It can break down false narratives about population share and benefits distribution.

• Social Justice Movement: It’s seen as the next step after Mandal Commission in ensuring real empowerment for the majority.

Opposition Parties Rally Behind the Demand

Tejashwi Yadav’s letter is part of a broader regional political push. Other leaders like MK Stalin (DMK), Akhilesh Yadav (SP), and Sharad Pawar (NCP) have also demanded nationwide caste data to be made public.

Many are now asking for a re-evaluation of the 27% OBC reservation cap, arguing that it’s outdated in the light of fresh caste demographic data.

Bihar’s Role: Catalyst in the Caste Census Movement

Bihar’s independent caste survey in 2023-24 served as a model and political flashpoint. It:

• Was conducted using state funds after the Centre refused to cooperate

• Faced legal challenges, including central government objections

• Produced comprehensive data showing OBCs and EBCs at 63%, upper castes at ~15%

The survey findings led to demands for reservation reforms and increased representation, making Bihar the epicenter of the caste census debate.

Criticism and BJP’s Changing Stance

Critics of BJP point out the irony that the same party which:

• Opposed caste-based enumeration

• Blocked the release of 2011 SECC data

• Dismissed state-level surveys as flawed

…has now agreed to a national caste census, allegedly for political compulsion and to counter regional alliances focused on backward class consolidation.

Government’s Plan for the National Caste Census

As per recent announcements:

• The caste census will be conducted in all states and UTs

• It will be handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Registrar General of India (RGI)

• Enumeration will be digital-first, with mobile apps and biometric cross-verification

• The data will be used to revise reservation quotas, social programs, and budget allocations

The timeline and methodology are expected to be released post-Lok Sabha session.

Reactions from the Ground: Hope, Caution, and Skepticism

While many OBC groups and social justice activists have welcomed the announcement, they remain skeptical about the intentions and timing.

Ravi Kumar, a Dalit activist, said:

“The fight for caste census isn’t new. What matters is whether this is a genuine exercise or a poll-time stunt. We’ll wait to see if the data is actually made public and acted upon.”

The caste census is no longer a fringe demand—it has emerged as a mainstream political issue in Indian democracy. Tejashwi Yadav’s letter to PM Modi reflects both public aspiration and political pressure for transparency, representation, and inclusive policy reform.