Congress Leader Criticizes Modi Government Over Caste Census Delay
Jairam Ramesh's Strong Critique
On Sunday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh launched a fierce critique against the Modi administration, accusing it of evading the caste census. He utilized the social media platform 'X' to highlight the government's inconsistent stance over recent years, labeling it misleading for the nation.
Inconsistencies in Government Statements
Ramesh referenced previous government statements, noting that in July 2021, the administration declared in the Lok Sabha that it would not count castes other than SC (Scheduled Castes) and ST (Scheduled Tribes). In September 2021, a policy decision was affirmed in a Supreme Court affidavit. By April 2024, the Prime Minister dismissed the demand for a caste census as an 'urban naxal mindset.'
However, in April 2025, the government unexpectedly announced that a caste census would be included in the upcoming population count.
Concerns Over Digital Census Delays
The Congress leader pointed to a statement made by the Registrar General in March 2026, which indicated that the digital nature of the census would delay results until 2027. Ramesh questioned why the government is now suggesting that results will take several years, despite states like Bihar and Telangana completing caste surveys in under six months.
Allegations of a Hidden Agenda
Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of spreading confusion in the country and attempting to alter provisions that were unanimously passed in September 2023. He asserted that the government's 'hidden agenda' is to prevent the caste census from being implemented, using technical reasons to delay it indefinitely.
Public Reaction
It is clear that the Modi Govt wants to put the caste census in cold storage.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 12, 2026
On July 20 2021, it answered a question in the Lok Sabha saying that the “Govt of India decided as a matter of policy NOT to enumerate caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census.”
On Sept… pic.twitter.com/dHxRQEn2rc