HP Congress hails caste census, BJP accuses it of playing politics

By Admin

02 May, 2025

The debate over the caste census has stirred political waters in Himachal Pradesh, with the Congress welcoming the move and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) countering with sharp criticism. As the Centre takes steps towards conducting a caste census for the first time in nearly a century, both parties have locked horns over credit, intent, and past inaction.

Congress Terms It a ‘Historic’ Step

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called the Centre’s move to initiate a caste census “historic” and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for finally responding to a long-standing demand. Speaking to the media, Sukhu emphasized that the purpose of this census was not to divide society, but to ensure justice for communities that have historically been marginalized.

“This is not about creating division based on caste. This is a vision, a thought process. For communities who have been historically deprived—even 75 years after independence, this is about ensuring they get their rightful share in the nation’s wealth and opportunities,” Sukhu stated.

He also pointed out that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had persistently demanded the caste census, and its approval reflects a positive step toward addressing social imbalance.

BJP Accuses Congress of Playing Politics

However, BJP leaders are not convinced of the Congress' sincerity. BJP MP from Shimla, Suresh Kashyap, lashed out at the Congress and Rahul Gandhi for what he called “politicising caste issues without ever taking concrete steps to address them.”

“The last caste census was conducted in 1931 and since then, successive Congress governments have failed to revisit the issue. From Pandit Nehru to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, none took initiative for a caste-based census. In fact, some even opposed reservations,” said Kashyap.

He further alleged that even during Dr. Manmohan Singh's tenure in 2010, a caste census was discussed but never implemented. “Despite support from many political parties, Congress leader P. Chidambaram opposed the proposal. What followed in 2011 was merely a socio-economic survey—not a full-fledged caste census,” he added.

A Clash Over Credit and History

The BJP MP argued that the Congress had decades to address caste imbalances but failed to act, adding that today's move reflects the BJP’s commitment to inclusive development under Prime Minister Modi. “The BJP fulfils what it promises—and even what it never explicitly claims. This decision is proof of that,” Kashyap asserted.

Conclusion

As Himachal Pradesh’s political leaders trade barbs, the larger question remains: will the caste census lead to genuine social reform, or will it become another tool in the ongoing political tug-of-war? While Congress hails it as a step toward justice, the BJP sees it as an opportunistic move by a party that missed the chance when it had the power. With elections always on the horizon, the caste census has become yet another flashpoint in India’s deeply nuanced political landscape.