Poonam Sharma
The debate over a caste census in India has snowballed into a major political issue, exposing not only the complexities of identity politics but also the fluidity of political positions. What was once a demand championed largely by opposition parties and social justice advocates is now finding acceptance within the corridors of the ruling establishment, albeit cautiously. Ironically, this shift has invited criticism not only from traditional opponents but also from those who had originally advocated for it. This curious political reversal reflects the sensitive and strategic nature of caste in Indian politics.
The Background
India’s last full-scale caste census was conducted in 1931, during the colonial era. Post-independence, while the decennial census continued, it recorded only the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), omitting data on Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other caste groups. Over the decades, the demand for a comprehensive caste census gained momentum, especially from regional and social justice parties who argued that without updated caste data, policies of affirmative action and welfare remained misdirected and ineffective.
The idea took concrete shape during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, which initiated the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) in 2011. However, the caste data from this exercise was never officially released due to inconsistencies and concerns over accuracy. This delay and eventual shelving led to widespread criticism, especially from political parties that had long supported the idea.
BJP’s Initial Reluctance
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently in power at the Centre, initially expressed reservations about a caste census. It argued that such an exercise could deepen social divisions and was difficult to implement accurately. Despite repeated calls from the opposition, particularly from the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party (SP), and others, the Centre remained non-committal.
This reluctance was interpreted as political calculus. With its core base among upper castes and emerging inroads among non-dominant OBCs, a caste census was seen as potentially unsettling existing caste equations and exposing a mismatch between population share and political representation. Critics argued that the BJP feared such data could strengthen the demand for proportional quotas, which might dilute the upper-caste hold on power structures.
The Tide Turns
However, in recent months, the ruling party has shown signs of shifting its stance. State-level demands, particularly from Bihar and other states, have put pressure on the Centre. The Bihar government, under Nitish Kumar and with support from opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav, conducted its own caste survey in 2023. This move was widely applauded and seen as a template for other states. The report revealed that OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) made up more than 60% of the state’s population—much higher than previous estimates.
Faced with growing demand from even its own OBC leaders and voters, and sensing the electoral significance of this issue ahead of the 2024 general elections, the BJP has softened its position. Senior party leaders have expressed openness to the idea of a caste-based census, especially if done with a clear methodology and national consensus. This volte-face has, unsurprisingly, drawn criticism—not from just traditional opponents, but also from those who feel that the party is now co-opting a demand they had long resisted.
Irony and Opportunism
The irony is glaring. When opposition parties pushed for the caste census earlier, they were accused by the BJP of playing divisive caste politics. Now that the BJP is warming up to the idea, some opposition figures are accusing it of political opportunism. On the other hand, sections of the opposition now worry that the BJP might use the caste data to deepen micro-targeting strategies and consolidate its support among certain OBC sub-groups.
This reflects a larger truth about Indian politics: caste is both a tool of empowerment and a weapon of division. The data from a caste census can help shape inclusive policies, but it also carries the risk of reinforcing caste identities and competition.
The Way Forward
For a caste census to truly serve national interest, it must be conducted transparently, with a focus on using the data to address socio-economic inequalities rather than merely political arithmetic. It should aim to inform public policy on education, healthcare, employment, and representation, rather than become another instrument in the arsenal of vote-bank politics.
India stands at a crossroads. The decision to conduct a caste census should be guided by a commitment to social justice and good governance—not just political expediency. In this evolving drama, all players—government, opposition, and civil society—must remember that behind the numbers are real people seeking recognition, dignity, and a fair share in the nation’s progress.
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