Only caste census could help to deliver social and economic justice: Rahul Gandhi in Bihar

Neeraj Mohan

New Delhi, January 29

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the caste-based census is the only way out to deliver social and economic justice to the people of the country and the Congress party is committed to make the caste census a reality.

“Within the entire population of the country, approximately 50 per cent belong to the OBCs, 15 percent to Dalits, 12 per cent to STs, and 15 per cent to other minorities. However, in the current scenario, only 90 IAS officers are overseeing the decisions on how to allocate funds in various sectors within the union government. Surprisingly, out of these 90 officers, only three are from the OBC category, leading to concerns of discrimination against OBCs, Dalits, and STs,” Gandhi said while addressing a gathering as his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra enters Bihar from West Bengal on Monday.

Conducting a caste census is essential to obtain accurate figures for every community. “This initiative will contribute to ensuring social and economic justice based on each community’s proportionate share in the population,” Gandhi emphasised, mincing no word over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar changing his side and returning back to NDA.

He said that Bihar has consistently been at the forefront of social justice movements in the country, and I encourage the people of Bihar to embrace this responsibility and actively contribute to securing social and economic justice, he added.

In contrast to the BJP’s ideology centered around hatred and violence, this yatra promotes the principles of love and fraternity. “While we advocate for love, they propagate hate.  Since Bihar has historically been a focal point for social reform movements in the country, I urge people of Bihar to lead this movement of social justice again,” he added.