‘Better Late Than Never’: Political Leaders React To Centre’s Big Move To Include Caste Census

Last Updated:April 30, 2025, 18:02 IST

Following the announcement, political parties and leaders from across the political spectrum welcomed the government’s decision

The central government on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration would be included in the upcoming census, which is expected to begin early next year, and will be conducted in a “transparent” manner.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while outlining the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), stated that although the census is a central responsibility, some states have already carried out caste enumeration under the guise of surveys, alleging it was done for political reasons.

Following the announcement, political parties and leaders from across the political spectrum welcomed the government’s decision. Many took to the social media platform X to share their thoughts on the move.

In a post on X, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar commended the government’s decision to conduct a caste census.

“Our demand for conducting a caste census is an old one. It is a matter of great joy that the Central Government has decided to conduct a caste census. Conducting a caste census will help determine the population of different sections, which will facilitate the formulation of plans for their upliftment and development. This will accelerate the country’s development. Congratulations and thanks to the Honorable Prime Minister, Respected Shri Narendra Modi ji, for the decision to conduct a caste census,” Kumar wrote.

BJP national president JP Nadda shared: “This decision is extremely significant in bringing backward castes into the mainstream at the economic, social, and educational levels, and in restoring dignity to those who have long been deprived of their rights and entitlements.”

“This unprecedented decision by the Modi government will serve as a milestone in expanding social harmony, uplifting every section of society, and enhancing the dignity of the backward classes. I express my gratitude to Modi ji for this historic decision aimed at the welfare of all sections of society,” Nadda added.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a lengthy post wrote: “For the historic and extremely significant decision to conduct a caste-based census in the direction of establishing social equality in the country, heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Honorable Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji, and the entire Union Cabinet!”

“For many decades, numerous individuals, organizations, and groups have consistently demanded a caste-based census. This demand has been fulfilled due to the visionary and sensitive leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Honorable Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. In the absence of a caste-based census, clear information about the economic and social conditions of the population of castes other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was not available. As a result, the OBC community, along with other sections of society, had to bear the consequences,” Pawar added.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote: “This statement regarding social justice was made in the recent resolution of the Congress, which was passed in Ahmedabad(On April 9, 2025. Better late than never.”

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi wrote: “The Centre has agreed to include caste data in the upcoming census exercise. This was needed urgently & it was a long-pending demand of many groups. I’d also made the same demand since 2021.”

“It’s for BJP to be intellectually honest. The data must be collected transparently & put in the public domain. Policies of the govt must be consistent with the census data. The most backward communities should get their fair share in education & employment,” Owaisi added.