The political discourse around the caste census has taken a dramatic turn just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly endorsed the decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. While the PM described this move as a progressive step to empower marginalized communities and mainstream the deprived sections of society, the Congress party swiftly countered by releasing videos of Modi from the past two years where he openly criticized the idea of a caste census.

At a conclave of NDA chief ministers and deputy chief ministers held recently, PM Modi hailed the caste census as part of the government’s commitment to development without caste politics, emphasizing the aim to uplift Dalits, exploited groups, and others left behind. Two resolutions were passed at the conclave, one praising the government’s handling of military actions, and another commending the caste census decision.

However, the Congress was quick to remind the public of Modi’s earlier remarks opposing caste-based surveys. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared two video clips showing Modi’s contradictory stance:

• In the first clip, from October 2023, Modi criticized opposition parties for dividing society based on caste, referring to caste politics as a “sin.”

• The second clip, from April 2024, shows Modi dismissing the Congress demand for a caste census as part of an “urban naxal mindset.”

Ramesh pointed out the irony in Modi’s sudden embrace of the caste census on April 30, 2025, following key national security events, while previously criticizing such surveys. He said, “The Modi government unexpectedly and suddenly announced a caste census, and yesterday the PM took full credit for it.”

The BJP has defended the move, with party president JP Nadda stating that the census of castes was always part of the ruling alliance’s plan. He noted the pioneering role of the Bihar government, led by JD(U) chief minister Nitish Kumar, which conducted a caste survey. The NDA clarified that their position is against caste politics but supports caste enumeration as a tool to ensure development reaches all deprived communities.

The Centre recently announced that caste details will be included in the 2025 population census for the first time since independence, marking a significant policy shift. This decision addresses longstanding demands from opposition parties and several states like Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka, which have conducted caste surveys at the state level.

The caste census is poised to become a major political issue ahead of elections, with parties debating its implications for social justice, resource allocation, and political representation.

This controversy highlights the complexities involved in caste-based policies in India, balancing between the goals of social empowerment and concerns over political division.

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