In a major political move, the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to endorse a caste-based census across the country, reversing its previous stand on the controversial issue. The decision has come just a few months ahead of the high-stakes Bihar state elections and seems to be a strategic move to redefine electoral politics, especially in caste-conscious states.
Pressure from states and opposition
This change comes in the face of growing pressure from opposition parties as well as state governments, particularly Bihar’s ruling coalition headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Bihar government just conducted its own caste survey, and its results generated new demands for a national exercise. Opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi have repeatedly demanded data that accurately represents the actual social composition of India, saying it is crucial for welfare schemes and reservations to be distributed equally.
The political implications in Bihar
Bihar has been regarded as the stronghold of caste politics, and anything involving caste data is a mammoth political proposition. By joining the demand for a caste census, the BJP is seemingly opposing the narrative of the opposition party and attempting to regain the momentum of OBC (Other Backward Classes) and EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) voters, who constitute a strong part of the population.
From hesitation to agreement
So far, the Modi government had argued that a caste census beyond SC/STs (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) was administratively cumbersome and not required. The sudden change indicates a recognition of the growing call for social justice and evidence-based policymaking, particularly as the opposition tries to make the issue a key campaign plank in future elections.
A balancing act
Although the BJP’s transition will assist in defusing opposition assaults in Bihar, it may also disturb its upper-caste vote bank, traditionally wary of prolonged caste-based reservations. Pivoting among these varied stakes will be an exercise in high-wire politics for the party in power.
The Modi government’s support for a caste census is not merely a policy choice—it’s a big political move to recast voter sentiments and consolidate its hold before crucial regional and national elections. It will succeed depending on how the electorate interprets this dramatic switch in strategy.
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