In a significant political move, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has written a detailed letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to initiate an all-party dialogue on the caste census, an issue that has gained increasing prominence in national discourse. The letter, dated May 5, 2025, emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive caste-based survey to ensure social justice and equity for backward, marginalized, and oppressed sections of Indian society.

Kharge’s demand stems from a larger political context, particularly in the backdrop of Modi’s perceived shift in stance on the issue. His letter outlines three key suggestions:

1. Conduct a nationwide caste census modeled on the Telangana survey, which was recently hailed for its thorough methodology and inclusiveness.

2. Remove the 50% cap on reservations, a ceiling imposed by a past Supreme Court judgment, which the Congress believes is outdated and obstructive to equitable policy-making.

3. Implement Article 15(5), which allows for the extension of reservations to SCs, STs, and OBCs in private educational institutions.

Kharge asserted that caste census is not divisive, but rather a critical instrument of justice. "Conducting any exercise such as the caste census which gives the backward, the oppressed and the marginalised sections of our society their rights cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," the letter states.

Citing the Constitution and National Unity

The Congress President linked his demand to the Preamble of the Constitution, which promises justice—social, economic, and political—to all citizens. He reminded the Prime Minister that the Constitution’s values necessitate accurate data to ensure effective policy formulation and fair distribution of national resources.

Kharge also invoked the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, stating that the nation stood united in grief and response. He used this as a reminder of the unifying power of national purpose, suggesting that the caste census, too, could become a shared goal if approached inclusively.

Political Undertones and Congress's Position

Sharing the letter on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized Modi’s “sudden and desperate U-turn” on caste census. He mentioned that Kharge’s letter follows the recent Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on May 2, where the issue was deliberated extensively.

Ramesh said, “Kharge ji has made three very specific suggestions,” highlighting the Congress's clear position and contrast to what they perceive as ambiguous signals from the BJP-led government.

Kharge’s advocacy for a caste census is consistent with the Congress party’s election manifesto, which strongly supported data-driven affirmative action. The party believes such a census would help quantify the backwardness of various social groups, thereby enabling better-targeted welfare programs and resource allocation.

Background: Telangana Model and 50% Reservation Cap

The Telangana caste survey, conducted under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has been widely praised for its meticulous planning and expansive reach. The Congress party believes this can serve as a template for national implementation.

In his letter, Kharge strongly urged the removal of the 50% reservation ceiling, a precedent set by the Indra Sawhney judgment (Mandal Case) in 1992. He argued that the demographic realities of India have changed, and sticking to this ceiling is unjust and unscientific.

Moreover, the Congress wants immediate implementation of Article 15(5), a constitutional provision added through the 93rd Amendment, enabling reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs in private unaided educational institutions. While legally permitted, this provision has not been fully operationalized.

The BJP Response and Broader Implications

While the BJP has yet to officially respond to Kharge's letter, party insiders suggest that the government may be wary of initiating a full-scale caste census in the current political climate. The BJP has traditionally been cautious on this issue, balancing OBC representation with concerns about social fragmentation.

Kharge’s initiative comes at a time when opposition parties under the INDIA alliance have been pressing the Centre on caste-based justice. This demand resonates with regional parties like RJD, JD(U), and DMK, who have made caste census a core electoral demand.

Public Sentiment and Electoral Impact

With the 2025 state assembly elections in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on the horizon, Kharge’s letter also carries strong electoral undertones. The issue of caste census has the potential to reshape voter alignments, especially among OBC and Dalit communities, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.

By taking the lead, the Congress is positioning itself as a champion of social equity, hoping to consolidate support among socially disadvantaged groups. This approach also allows the party to counter BJP's narrative of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” by highlighting gaps in policy execution.

Legal and Administrative Challenges Ahead

Despite its importance, implementing a nationwide caste census is no small feat. It involves logistical coordination, bureaucratic training, and public sensitization. There are also legal challenges, particularly with states that may resist data collection on caste lines due to political sensitivities or communal tensions.

Furthermore, if the reservation cap is lifted, it would likely lead to a series of court challenges and demands from other communities, such as upper caste poor and economically weaker sections (EWS), to revise their share of quotas.

Conclusion: A New Debate Takes Shape

Mallikarjun Kharge’s letter marks a decisive step in what could become a defining debate of Indian politics in 2025—the reform of caste-based policies in the spirit of data transparency and constitutional justice.

While the BJP-led government’s next move remains uncertain, the Congress has made its stance unequivocal. As the political temperature rises, all eyes will now be on whether PM Modi agrees to convene the all-party meeting and take the caste census proposal forward.

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