PM Modi Supports Anurag Thakur's Push for Caste Census, Slams Opposition

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently commended former Union minister Anurag Thakur for his Lok Sabha speech on the caste census, which Modi described as an insightful critique of the opposition INDIA bloc. Prime Minister said on ‘X’, ”This speech by my young and energetic colleague, Shri @ianuragthakur is a must hear. A perfect mix of facts and humour, exposing the dirty politics of the INDI Alliance.”

The speech sparked a political controversy, particularly from the Congress party, which leads the opposition alliance. They questioned whether Thakur’s comments were influenced by the Prime Minister. The controversy centered around Thakur’s pointed remarks about Gandhi’s caste, despite him not directly naming Rahul Gandhi. Thakur suggested that those advocating for a caste census often have unclear personal backgrounds, subtly referencing a former prime minister’s stance against OBC reservation, a veiled allusion to Rajiv Gandhi.

In response, Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president, criticized Thakur for what he perceived as personal attacks. Gandhi, who has been a vocal proponent of a nationwide caste census, reiterated the Congress’s commitment to this cause, labeling it a crucial component of their 2024 general election platform. He responded to the perceived insults with resilience, asserting, “Whoever raises the issues of Adivasi, Dalit, and the backward, is abused. I will happily accept these abuses.”

The debate over the caste census has become increasingly divisive, with the Congress pushing for it as a necessary measure to unveil socio-economic disparities across the country. As India approaches the next general elections, the issue remains a significant point of contention between the ruling and opposition parties.