In a major political development, the central government has finally agreed to conduct a caste-based census. Following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision, triggering intense debate in political corridors across the country.
The move is being interpreted in two ways: while the opposition claims it as a political victory, several analysts see it as a strategic masterstroke by the BJP.
Opposition Celebrates: ‘Our Demand Has Been Accepted’
#WATCH | Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, “We had said in the Parliament that we will make Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50% cap, the artificial wall that is in place. Narendra Modi used to say that there are just 4 cases. Don\’t… pic.twitter.com/BNBBYAQQ4W
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025
Parties like Congress, RJD, and Samajwadi Party have openly welcomed the decision. In their view, the Centre has bowed to their long-standing demand.
#WATCH | On the caste census to be included in the national census, Samajwadi Party leader Ravidas Mehrotra says, “For long, the Samajwadi Party had been demanding caste census. Today, the government has accepted our demand. It is a victory for the country\’s Dalits and backward… pic.twitter.com/Z8buAlinKV
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025
The Samajwadi Party stated, “We have been demanding caste-based census for a long time. Today, the government accepted our demand. This is a win for Dalits and backward communities in the country.”
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav credited the move to socialist leaders and the legacy of Lalu Prasad Yadav. “This was our 30-year-old demand. It is a win for us, for socialists, and for Lalu ji. Earlier, all parties in Bihar met the PM, but he refused. Many ministers denied the need for it. But in the end, they had to walk on our path,” he said.
Congress Claims Victory: ‘Modi Govt Forced to Bend’
Congress leaders are also calling the decision a direct result of their pressure. Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar remarked, “We welcome this decision. It has been our consistent demand, and the motive must go beyond Bihar elections.”
#WATCH | On Caste census to be included in national census, Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar says,” We welcome this decision as it was our longstanding demand. Bihar elections should be the only motive behind this.”
(Video source: Vijay Wadettiwar) pic.twitter.com/Vvk2u7472o
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025
Congress spokesperson Udit Raj added, “This is Congress’s win. Eventually, the Modi government had to agree to a caste census.”
#WATCH | On the inclusion of Caste census data in the national census, Congress leader Udit Raj says, “I welcome this decision. This is Congress\’s victory. Ultimately, the Modi government is having to conduct a caste census.” pic.twitter.com/p6niVLaenE
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025
Masterstroke or Compulsion? BJP’s Real Motive Under Scanner.
While opposition parties are busy celebrating, political analysts are questioning whether this decision is a response to electoral pressure or a clever move by the BJP to regain its footing among backward communities. The timing and execution will determine whether it becomes a long-term game-changer or a short-term tactical adjustment.
