New Delhi, September 3, 2024 — Following recent comments from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the caste census, the Congress party has raised questions about whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi might use the RSS’s endorsement to conduct a caste census.
On Monday, the RSS stated it had no objections to collecting data on specific communities or castes, provided the information is used solely for welfare purposes and not exploited for political gains. This statement has sparked a response from Congress leaders.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-charge of communications, questioned the RSS’s role in the matter. In a post on X, Ramesh asked, “Who is the RSS to give permission for caste census? Does the RSS have a veto power over this issue? What does the RSS mean by stating the caste census should not be misused for electioneering? Is it to be a judge or umpire?”
Ramesh also criticized the RSS for its lack of comments on the need for a constitutional amendment to remove the 50 per cent cap on reservations for Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs. He questioned whether the RSS’s remarks would lead to the Prime Minister “hijacking” another Congress guarantee and conducting a caste census.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also weighed in, demanding clarity from the RSS on its stance regarding the caste census. Kharge, in a post on X, asked, “Is the Sangh Parivar, which supports Manusmriti over the Constitution, concerned about the participation of Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and the deprived sections of society?”
RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar addressed the issue in Palakkad, Kerala, after a three-day coordination conclave. He described caste and caste-relations as a “very sensitive issue” for Hindu society and emphasized the importance of handling it with care, focusing on national unity and integrity. Ambekar stressed that any caste census should be conducted with the aim of addressing welfare needs and not for electoral purposes. He noted that while the RSS supports the collection of such data for welfare, it cautioned against its use as a political tool.
Ambekar’s comments come amidst active campaigning by opposition parties, including the Congress, highlighting the ongoing debate over the caste census and its implications for upcoming elections.
