Why is Rahul Gandhi After Caste Census? Hails Telangana’s OBC Reservation Bill, Says We Will Make It Happen in India

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again pushed for a nationwide caste census, asserting that it is the only way to ensure social justice for backward and deprived communities. Citing Telangana’s move to increase OBC reservation to 42% based on caste survey data, he hailed it as a model for the entire country. Taking to X, he declared that Congress would make caste census a reality in India, breaking the barriers that limit the rights of marginalised groups. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who spearheaded the initiative, also called it a historic step, marking a major shift in the state’s reservation policy.

Rahul Gandhi Hails Telangana’s Decision, Calls for Nationwide Caste Census

Rahul Gandhi highlighted the Telangana government's recent decision as a major step towards social justice. In his statement, he said, "The Congress government has fulfilled its promise of increasing OBC reservation in Telangana. The actual number of the OBC community obtained through a scientific caste count in the state was accepted, and a bill for 42% reservation was passed in the Assembly to ensure their equal participation in education, employment, and politics. This is indeed a revolutionary step towards social justice through which the wall of 50% reservation in the state has also been demolished."

कांग्रेस सरकार ने तेलंगाना में OBC आरक्षण बढ़ाने का वादा पूरा कर दिया है।

राज्य में वैज्ञानिक तरीके से हुई जातिगत गिनती से मिली OBC समुदाय की वास्तविक संख्या स्वीकार की गई और शिक्षा, रोजगार और राजनीति में उनकी समान भागीदारी सुनिश्चित करने के लिए विधानसभा में 42% आरक्षण का बिल… https://t.co/MdXwryq34O

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 18, 2025

He further stressed that the caste census data will enable policymakers to formulate targeted welfare measures for different communities, ensuring their upliftment. He added, "By analysing the social and economic conditions of each community using caste survey data, policies will be formulated that will ensure the well-being of all. The Telangana government has also formed an independent expert group for this."

Why is Rahul Gandhi After Caste Census?

Rahul Gandhi reiterated his long-standing demand for a caste census across India. Drawing an analogy, he said, "I have been continuously saying that only through X-ray – i.e., caste census – backward and deprived communities can get their due rights. Telangana has shown the way; this is what the whole country needs. Caste census will definitely happen in India, we will get it done."

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s Statement on OBC Reservation

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently announced the completion of the state’s caste census, revealing that OBCs make up 56.36% of the state’s population. Following this, his government passed a bill granting 42% reservation to OBCs in education, employment, and political representation.

Telangana is proud to lead the social revolution in #India

It is my honour to announce the longest pending demand of the subaltern groups since Indian Independence, the yearning of our brothers & sisters belonging to the Backward Castes, on being counted & recognised in an…

— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) March 17, 2025

Declaring this as a landmark decision, he said,  "Telangana is proud to lead the social revolution in India. It is my honour to announce the longest-pending demand of the subaltern groups since Indian Independence. The yearning of our brothers and sisters belonging to the Backward Castes, on being counted and recognised in an official census, has finally found deliverance. Today, as the Leader of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, as Chief Minister, I solemnly declare that based on the most scientific, methodically rigorous, and excruciating efforts of our people, we can say that the OBC population in Telangana is 56.36%. We are now resolving to ensure 42% reservations for this group in all walks of life – education, jobs and employment, and political representation."