Rahul Gandhi Hailed as Posters Celebrate Centre’s Caste Census Approval
By New Delhi Post Desk, New Delhi:
Following the Union Cabinet’s decision to include caste-based data in the upcoming national census, posters celebrating Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav have emerged outside their respective party offices in Delhi and beyond. The move, seen as a victory for their persistent advocacy, has sparked reactions, with Gandhi calling it a “first step” toward social reform while urging for a clear timeline.
Posters Proclaim Victory for Caste Census Advocacy
On May 1, 2025, vibrant posters appeared outside the Congress headquarters in Delhi, lauding Rahul Gandhi’s relentless push for a caste census. One poster boldly declared, “Kaha tha na, Modi ji ko ‘jaati janganana’ karvani hi padegi, hum karva kar rahenge!” (I had said it, didn’t I—Modi ji will have to conduct the caste census, and we will make it happen!). Another featured the slogan, “Jhukti hai duniya, jhukane wala chahiye” (The world bows—what it needs is someone who can make it bow). Similar posters surfaced outside the RJD office, congratulating Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav for their advocacy.
Rahul Gandhi Welcomes Decision, Demands Timeline
Addressing the media, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi welcomed the Cabinet’s approval but emphasized the need for a definitive schedule to complete the census. “We welcome the decision, but we need to know how much time it will take to conclude the census,” he stated. Describing the move as an initial step toward broader social reform, Gandhi credited sustained political and public pressure for compelling the government to act. “We have shown we can pressure the government,” he added.
Congress Highlights Long-Standing Demand
Gandhi reiterated the Congress party’s consistent stance on the issue, recalling their parliamentary commitment to ensuring a caste census. “We had said in Parliament that we will make the caste census happen. We also promised to scrap the 50% reservation cap, an artificial barrier,” he said. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi remarked, “Modi used to say there are just four castes. Suddenly, after 11 years, a caste census has been announced.”
Political Pressure Yields Results
The approval marks a significant shift, attributed to years of advocacy by opposition leaders like Gandhi and Yadav. The posters reflect public sentiment, celebrating the leaders’ resolve in pushing for caste-based data collection, seen as critical for equitable policy-making. As the nation awaits further details on the census timeline, the decision underscores the impact of sustained political activism.
