From Pandit Nehru To Rahul Gandhi: The Evolution Of Caste Census In India

Rahul Gandhi has reignited the debate over a caste census in India, a topic with a complex history. While past censuses from 1951 to 2011 included data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, other caste data has been inconsistent. Despite collecting caste data in 1941 and 2011, it was never released. Gandhi, who previously rejected caste distinctions, now argues that a caste census is essential for justice. His stance contrasts with Jawaharlal Nehru’s 1961 opposition to caste-based reservations. The BJP is not against a caste census but has opted not to include caste data in the census, which could affect the 50% reservation cap and impact the 2024 elections.