‘Support this completely but…’: Rahul Gandhi has a reservation demand for caste census

Rahul Gandhi Welcomes Caste Census Move, But Calls for Action on Reservation Cap

New Delhi, May 1 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed conditional support for the central government’s move to include caste-based data in the national census, calling it a step in the right direction but insufficient without meaningful action on broader social justice issues. He underlined that a caste census must be accompanied by policy changes, including the removal of the 50% reservation cap and the full implementation of constitutional provisions enabling equitable access to education and employment.

“Support This Completely, But We Need Action”

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Gandhi acknowledged that the decision to carry out a caste census aligns with a demand the Congress party has championed for years. However, he urged the government to go beyond symbolic gestures and take practical steps.

“We support this completely, but we need more than announcements. The caste census must come with a timeline, funding, and follow-through. This isn’t just data collection; it’s about justice,” he said.

Calls for Scrapping the 50% Reservation Cap

Gandhi reiterated his demand to remove the 50% ceiling on caste-based reservations, which was set by the Supreme Court in 1992. According to him, this cap acts as a barrier to genuine representation for marginalized communities, particularly Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Dalits, and Adivasis.

“This arbitrary limit is an obstacle to equality. If the caste census reveals the true population numbers of backward communities, how can we justify capping their share of opportunities?” he questioned.

Article 15(5) and Private Institutions

The Congress MP also pushed for the implementation of Article 15(5) of the Constitution, which allows for reservations in private educational institutions.

“Social justice shouldn’t stop at government doors. If private colleges can operate on public land and enjoy tax benefits, they also carry a responsibility to ensure fair access,” Gandhi asserted.

Offer to Help Design the Census

Taking a proactive tone, Gandhi offered to collaborate with the government in designing the caste census to ensure it reflects real social conditions rather than being limited to bureaucratic frameworks.

“We want this to be a people-centric exercise, not just an academic formality. The Congress party is willing to help build a more inclusive data framework,” he said.

Political Context

Rahul Gandhi’s statement comes shortly after the Union government signaled its willingness to conduct a caste census, a move that has sparked political debates across party lines. While the BJP is presenting the decision as a reflection of its commitment to inclusive governance, opposition parties argue that the move is a delayed acknowledgment of longstanding demands.

Gandhi’s comments appear to draw a clear line — that collecting data is only the first step, and what truly matters is how that data translates into real opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Looking Ahead

With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, caste-based politics is once again becoming a focal point of national discourse. Gandhi’s push to lift the 50% reservation cap may become a key policy plank for the Congress party’s campaign, especially in states where caste dynamics play a dominant role.