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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, has declared its support for a caste census in India, stating that such a census is essential for the government to implement effective welfare programs targeted at specific communities and castes. However, the RSS cautioned against the use of caste data for political purposes, emphasizing its importance for addressing social inequalities rather than electoral strategies.
The demand for a caste census has been spearheaded by the Indian National Congress, the main opposition party, which included it in its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been a vocal advocate for the census, arguing that it is necessary to accurately represent the demographic reality of India, where a significant portion of the population is not adequately captured in existing data. Gandhi has also asserted that a caste census would enable the government to better understand and address the socioeconomic challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Recent public opinion surveys have indicated strong support for a caste census among the Indian population. A survey conducted by CVoter for India Today magazine revealed that a staggering 74% of respondents believe that a caste census should be conducted, marking a significant increase from 59% in February 2024. This rising public sentiment has further fueled the debate surrounding the issue, with Gandhi leveraging the survey results to pressure the government to implement the census.
The RSS's stance on the caste census, while supportive, highlights the complex political and social dynamics surrounding the issue in India. The RSS, as a powerful Hindu nationalist organization, has historically been associated with a more traditional view of caste, and its endorsement of the census, albeit with reservations, suggests a shift in its approach to addressing caste-based inequalities. The Congress, on the other hand, sees the caste census as a crucial step towards achieving greater social justice and equitable representation for marginalized communities.
The debate over the caste census is expected to continue as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach. Both the RSS and the Congress are likely to use the issue to mobilize their respective bases, underscoring its significance in the Indian political landscape. The ultimate outcome of the debate will have far-reaching implications for social policies, electoral politics, and the future of caste-based representation in India.
Source: RSS supports caste census but warns against 'political use'