– Abdul Bari Masoud
Patna: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to conducting a caste census, stating that representation without participation in power holds no meaning. Speaking at the birth anniversary event of freedom fighter Jaglal Chaudhary in Patna, he said the caste census would reshape India’s politics and economy.
Gandhi stressed that the census is not just a survey but the first step to assess the population of different castes. It would be followed by financial and institutional surveys to analyse resource distribution. Unlike Bihar’s caste census, he said, it would be conducted like Telangana’s.
Accusing the BJP, RSS, and PM Narendra Modi of opposing the caste census, Gandhi alleged they fear revealing the truth about marginalised communities.
“Dalits, BCs, and Adivasis are not getting their due rights,” he asserted. He criticised Modi for showcasing Dalit MPs and MLAs while stripping them of real power, claiming even ministers’ key decisions are controlled by RSS-linked officials.
He pointed out that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made no mention of the census in her budget speech. Citing the Constitution, he said it embodies centuries of Dalit oppression and remains their only safeguard. He accused the BJP-RSS of subtly dismantling the Constitution while pretending to honour Ambedkar.
