The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced that the upcoming national census will include caste data—a significant policy reversal that has sparked intense political debate and is being dubbed “Mandal 2.0” by commentators.
A Historic Shift
Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the inclusion of caste details in the next census, marking the first comprehensive caste enumeration since 1931, apart from data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This move is expected to have broad socio-economic and political implications, particularly concerning the country’s reservation policies.
Political Calculations Ahead of Bihar Elections
The decision comes months before crucial state elections in Bihar, where caste dynamics play a significant role. Analysts suggest that the BJP’s move aims to counter the opposition’s push for a caste census and to consolidate support among Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
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Opposition’s Response
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have long advocated for a caste census, arguing that it is essential for implementing social justice programs effectively. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that the government’s decision reflects the pressure exerted by the opposition.
Implications for Reservation Policies
The inclusion of caste data could lead to renewed demands to adjust the country’s quotas that reserve government jobs, college admissions, and elected offices for certain castes, especially OBCs. Currently, India’s policy caps quotas at 50%, with 27% reserved for OBCs. Detailed caste data may prompt calls to revisit these limits.
Strategic Repositioning
The BJP’s decision is seen as a strategic repositioning to address the growing demand for caste-based data and to prevent the erosion of its support base among OBCs. By embracing the caste census, the party aims to counter the opposition’s narrative and reinforce its commitment to social justice.
