**Caste Census Controversy: Kharge Accuses Modi of Hypocrisy**
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for their perceived hypocrisy regarding the caste census. He pointed out that the government, which previously mocked the Congress for advocating a caste census, is now quietly adopting a similar stance. In a recent post on X, Kharge shared excerpts from a letter he sent to PM Modi, highlighting the Congress’s long-standing demand for a comprehensive caste census.
In his letter, Kharge noted, “I had written to you on April 16, 2023, putting forward the Indian National Congress’s demand for an up-to-date caste census. Regrettably, I never received any reply to this letter.” He expressed disappointment over the BJP’s previous attacks on the Congress for raising this important issue, which the government now acknowledges as vital for social justice and empowerment.
Kharge outlined three key suggestions for the nationwide caste census:
1. **Adopt the Telangana Model**: He emphasized the importance of the census questionnaire’s design and urged the Union Home Ministry to utilize the Telangana model for both methodology and the final set of questions.
2. **Remove the 50% Cap on Reservations**: Kharge called for a constitutional amendment to eliminate the “arbitrarily imposed 50% ceiling” on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
3. **Implement Article 15(5)**: He urged the full implementation of this constitutional provision, which allows for reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in private educational institutions.
Kharge asserted that conducting a caste census is essential for granting rights to the backward, oppressed, and marginalized sections of society, and should not be viewed as divisive. He reiterated that this exercise is crucial for fulfilling the promise of social and economic justice outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Additionally, Kharge called on PM Modi to initiate an all-party dialogue on the caste census issue, expressing hope that his suggestions would be taken seriously. This letter comes amid growing criticism from the Congress, which claims that the Modi government has made a “desperate U-turn” on the caste census. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned whether the Prime Minister would acknowledge this policy shift and commit to a timeline for the census.
The Congress party maintains that the government’s recent announcement is yet another instance of the Modi administration initially opposing a progressive initiative, attacking its advocates, and ultimately adopting the same policy due to public pressure.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is the caste census important?**
A: The caste census is crucial for ensuring social justice and empowerment for marginalized communities by providing accurate data for policy-making and resource allocation.
