DPCC backs Centre’s move on caste census

The Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) on Thursday passed a resolution extending full support to the Central Government’s decision to conduct a caste census, asserting that the move was a result of sustained pressure by senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Addressing a press conference at the DPCC headquarters, DPCC president Devender Yadav said the caste census would be more than a mere count of castes. It would also assess the economic and social conditions of various communities.

“This data will help ensure suitable participation of these communities in governance and administration, thereby establishing social justice,” he said.

The resolution was moved by former Delhi Minister Rajinder Pal Gautam and seconded by OBC Department chairman Rajiv Varma, SC Department head Sanjay Neeraj, Minority Department chairman Abdul Wahid Qureshi and Delhi Mahila Congress president Pushpa Singh.

Yadav credited Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for consistently demanding the caste census over the years.

“Their efforts have finally compelled the government to act. This is a historic moment, and Congress workers across Delhi are thankful for their leadership,” he said.

Yadav also announced that the Delhi Congress would soon organise a major event at Talkatora Stadium to thank the party’s top leadership for their role in pushing the issue to the national agenda.

Highlighting the examples of Congress-led states, he noted that both Karnataka and Telangana had already conducted caste-based surveys, with Telangana even crossing the 50 per cent reservation cap. “The Centre can use these as models for nationwide implementation,” he added.

The DPCC chief also demanded that the BJP-led Centre declare a clear timeline for conducting the caste census and include data on financial and social status to ensure meaningful representation and policy-making.