The upcoming state assembly and Lok Sabha elections in five Indian states have given rise to a major controversy – the caste census. This contentious issue has garnered the attention of various political parties, including Congress, and sparked discussions on its significance and implications. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of this matter while providing valuable insights into Google Ads CPC, potential traffic, and ranking difficulty scores for the top keywords associated with it.
Understanding the Caste Census Controversy
The issue of conducting a caste census has become a prominent topic in the run-up to the elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram. Political leaders and parties are making bold statements about their stance on this matter, and it’s crucial to comprehend the underlying dynamics.
The Stance of BJP and Amit Shah
Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a press conference in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, emphasized that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not opposed to the idea of a caste census. He stated, “We are a national party. We do not indulge in the politics of votes. We will announce the appropriate decision after consulting with all stakeholders. Jumping into the electoral fray on the basis of caste is not the right approach. BJP has never opposed it. A well-thought-out decision will be made, and we will announce it at the right time.”
Upcoming Elections and Caste Census
In the five states mentioned, the assembly elections are scheduled on different dates in November, with the votes set to be counted on December 3. Congress-led governments in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan have already declared their intention to conduct a caste census in their respective states.
Rahul Gandhi’s Perspective
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, emphasized the importance of a caste census during a recent Congress Working Committee meeting. He drew parallels with the recent caste-based surveys in Bihar and expressed his commitment to pushing for caste-based data collection in Congress-governed states. He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not doing enough for Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Akhilesh Yadav’s Take
Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, asserted that his party, known for its socialist ideology, doesn’t endorse caste-based politics. He underlined the party’s commitment to uniting people from all sections of society and emphasized that any deviation from these principles would be the stance of other political parties. He also pledged that, if in power, the Samajwadi Party would prioritize conducting a caste census.