If BJP think caste census poll plank snatched, will provide them 1 daily: Congress

The Congress on Monday said it is ready to provide new planks to the government every day for the nation's betterment, if the BJP thinks that it has snatched the caste census poll plank from it.

Addressing reporters, the party OBC department head Anil Jaihind said, "BJP has been saying that we have snatched this poll plank from Congress now. Rahul Gandhiji has welcomed the move. In case they (BJP) have this thinking, we will give them every day a new plank, which we want them to snatch from us for the development of the nation. Today we want them to implement Article 15(5)."

He said Article 15(5) was brought under the 93rd amendment when special provision was brought for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Economically and Socially Backward Classes, to ensure their reservation in the educational institutions during Manmohan Singh's tenure in 2006.

Referring to Leader of Opposition (LOP) Rahul Gandhi's speech on July 29, 2024 in Parliament: "... We will show you that we will get the Caste census passed in the Parliament", Jaihind said, "This provision is in the Constitution from the past 11 years. There is a legislation needed to be brought to get this implemented. Modi's BJP government supported by RSS hasn't brought in legislation for leaving 100 crore SC, ST and other backward classes in limbo."

Jaihind also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying: "He (Modi) used to say that it is a big sin to say about the caste census. There are only men, women and farmers..."

"Every idea has got its time for implementation. Now it is time for social justice and nobody can stop it," he added.

Another Congress leader Vikrant Bhuria, who is the party's OBC head, said the government should allocate sufficient funds for holding the caste census.

"It needs a budget allocation of Rs 11,000 crores in 2025, while only Rs 575 crores have been kept in the budget by the government. Shouldn't there be some transparency?" Bhuria questioned.

He raised doubts over the government's intention saying, "There isn't a deadline and timeline. It is clear that they have not got clear intentions. Their (BJP) track record about women reservation, employment. They (BJP) have always taken a u-turn."

He also said the caste census is significant considering caste violence is increasing in the country.

"Recently, a Dalit was killed for playing DJ on Dr BR Ambedkar's birthday," he said.

He also said the government should give a clear timeline for holding the caste census.

"They are not serious. We want Modiji to don't give us headlines but a timeline and deadline. If he doesn't clear it then we can assume that he has taken this decision under some fear or in response to the Pahalgam terror attack..." he said.