Rahul Gandhi: ‘Will Demolish 50% Reservation Barrier with Caste Census’

Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, reiterated on Tuesday his “full commitment” to implementing a caste census in Telangana, aiming to make the state a model for such initiatives across India.

Referring to caste discrimination in India as “unique” and among the worst globally, the former Congress chief declared his intention to “demolish the artificial barrier of 50 per cent reservations in the country.”

“Caste census is the first process to be taken up to assess the extent and nature of discrimination. So, I am fully committed to ensuring not only the caste census happens in Telangana, but that Telangana becomes a model for the caste census in the country,” Gandhi stated, as reported by PTI.

Gandhi acknowledged that the caste survey conducted by the state government might have some shortcomings but assured that these issues would be resolved.

Taking a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he remarked, “Why is the PM scared of asking how many Dalits, OBCs, Adivasis are there in corporates, judiciary, media?”

Gandhi also reaffirmed his commitment in Parliament on behalf of the Congress party to initiate a national caste census.

This stance is not new for the Congress MP, who previously voiced his support for the caste census in August, when he posted on X, “Modiji, if you are thinking of stopping the caste census, you are dreaming – no power can stop it now!”

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Caste Census Promise In its 2024 Lok Sabha elections manifesto, the Congress party pledged to conduct a caste census if it assumes power at the Centre. The party also committed to carrying out a nationwide socio-economic and caste census to account for various castes, sub-castes, and their socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, the Congress intends to pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST, and OBC categories.