Rahul Gandhi Welcomes Caste Census, Demands Removal of 50% Reservation Cap

New Delhi- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today welcomed the Centre’s decision to include a caste census in next year’s population census, though he asserted it was a move made under pressure. He also outlined a three-step roadmap for achieving social justice, which the Congress party will push for.

Describing the caste census as a “new paradigm of development,” Gandhi stated, “It was our vision, we are glad they have adopted it.”

He emphasized that the Congress now aims to “go beyond” and examine the “participation of 90 percent people.” “The 50 percent cap on reservations is becoming an impediment to the progress of our country and to the progress of Backward Castes, Dalits and Adivasis and we want this barrier to be eliminated,” he told reporters.

Gandhi asserted that the Congress had “put enough pressure on the government to get the caste census done” and demanded a definite timeline for its completion. He also reiterated the party’s demand to “destroy” the 50 percent reservation cap.

“After that there is a third thing — Article 15.5 which is reservation in private educational institutions, which is already a law. We want that law to be implemented as soon as possible,” he added, highlighting the party’s commitment to expanding reservation policies.