Rahul Gandhi Welcomes Caste Census Decision but Demands Clear Timeline

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, hailed the Union Cabinet’s approval of a caste-based census as a significant victory for public advocacy but emphasized the need for a definitive timeline to ensure its implementation. Speaking to the media on April 30, 2025, Gandhi underscored the importance of the decision while pressing the government for clarity on when the survey would be conducted.

Gandhi, addressing reporters in the capital, stated that the Congress party has long championed the cause of a caste census, facing resistance from the government for reasons he described as unclear. “We have been fighting for this for some time. The government opposed it, but now they’ve agreed to conduct it. We welcome that,” he said. However, he stressed that the decision marks only the initial step, urging the Centre to provide a concrete schedule to guarantee progress.

Highlighting Telangana’s recent caste survey as a model, Gandhi noted its potential to serve as a blueprint for a nationwide effort. “Telangana has shown the way forward with its caste census, which can guide the country,” he remarked. He reiterated the Congress party’s commitment to ensuring the census is executed effectively, emphasizing its role in addressing social inequalities.

The Union Cabinet’s decision to include a caste-based survey in the 2026 general census follows years of debate and political pressure from opposition parties, including Congress. Gandhi’s remarks reflect cautious optimism, acknowledging the government’s shift while maintaining focus on accountability for timely execution.