Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot advocated for a national caste census, stating it would be a crucial step in addressing the widening economic gap between the rich and the poor. He also called for a complementary socio-economic survey to better inform future government policymaking.
Speaking to the press, Gehlot emphasized that the demand for a caste census has become a central mission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. "The people belonging to SC, ST and OBC should be brought to the mainstream, which will strengthen the country. In fact, this is the revolutionary thinking of Rahul Gandhi," quoted PTI.
Coming from a meeting of the All India Congress Committee’s OBC Advisory Council in Bengaluru, Gehlot clarified that the initiative is not aimed against any community, reported PTI. "Rahul Gandhi is not against the general castes… Poverty is prevalent among all communities. Our focus needs to be on social concerns to bring about equality," he stated.
According to reports, Gehlot also took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting that OBC communities currently "misled by BJP in the name of religion" would eventually understand the importance of the movement.
He expressed skepticism about the central government's commitment, urging that a decision on the caste census must be implemented promptly and not delayed until after the Bihar Assembly elections.
