Have Modi, Shah turned urban naxals now: Cong questions Centre’s U-turn on caste census

Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s announcement of caste census enumeration a “U-turn”, the Congress on Thursday took a jibe at both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The party said the two BJP leaders used to call people who raised the issue of caste census, “urban naxals”.

“Exactly one year ago, during the Lok Sabha elections, the non-biological PM had said that people talking about caste census had also thought of urban naxals. When did the PM and Home Minister become Naxalites?” asked Congress MP and senior leader Jairam Ramesh.

The Congress general secretary welcomed the move, but questioned the timing of the announcement. “For 11 years, there wasn’t a word about caste census from your side. But, then you announced it with a bang yesterday,” said Ramesh.

CWC meet today

Top Congress leaders will deliberate on the Pahalgam terror attack and the caste census announced by the Centre at a crucial meeting of the party's working committee, its highest decision-making body, on Friday evening.

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Showcasing a copy of the Constitution, he said it was the responsibility of the Central Government to conduct the caste census. “The survey was done by some states. I am happy that the Modi government realised its responsibility. This is the first step,” he added.

The Congress leader further said, “A new chapter was suddenly opened yesterday, saying that we want a caste census. You (PM Modi) created a headline when the entire country was mourning the Pahalgam incident.”

“Now when the announcement has been made, the government should also announce a deadline, and make adequate budget allocation for the survey. PM Modi has given a headline, but not a deadline as Rahul said yesterday,” he said.

Citing the government’s two announcements about budgetary allocations for the survey in 2019 and 2015, Ramesh said the government has announced an allocation of Rs 575 crore for the survey. Notably, in 2019, a budget allocation of Rs 8,254 crore was kept for the national census. “Now, I guess Rs 11,000 crore may be needed and could possibly be done in 10 months,” he said.

The party has also demanded the removal of 50 per cent cap on reservation in the country. Citing recent caste census conducted in Bihar, Ramesh said 65 percent of population was found to be falling under the reservation category. He also cited the case of Tamil Nadu, where the cap on reservation is at 69 percent.

“It is essential to remove 50 percent cap and include it in the 9th Schedule. So an amendment has to be brought in. Amend the law and remove 50 percent cap,” he said, adding, “Caste census was like an X-ray of the country and cap removal a treatment.”

The party also said Article 15(5) -- which guarantees reservation to backwards classes ST, SC and OBCs in private educational institutions as well as government institutions -- should be implemented.