In a letter addressed to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Anand Sharma has expressed concerns regarding the party’s electoral pledge to conduct a nationwide caste census. He suggested that such a promise might be seen as conflicting with the stances previously taken by late leaders Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
Ms. Sharma emphasized that a caste census should not be viewed as a cure-all for addressing unemployment and societal inequalities. She asserted that the Congress has historically refrained from engaging in or promoting identity politics.
The letter penned by the CWC member on March 19 has been circulated to all CWC members, leaders of the Congress Legislature Party, and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs. Mr. Sharma underscored the importance of fostering internal consensus among party workers at the district and state levels, emphasizing the need for the party’s leadership to pursue this diligently.
He also referenced Indira Gandhi’s slogan, “Na jaat par na paat par, Mohar lagegi Haath par” (Neither caste nor creed, but the vote will be for the hand symbol), and Rajiv Gandhi’s urging to reject “casteism in politics”.
“The deviation from our historical stance is worrisome for many Congress members nationwide. It necessitates introspection. In my view, this might be perceived as disregarding the legacies of Indiraji and Rajivji,” remarked Mr. Sharma.
He noted that the last nationwide caste census was conducted in 1931, and since then, successive governments have refrained from pursuing such an endeavor.
“All Census Commissioners following Independence have consistently expressed reservations regarding a national caste census, citing concerns such as overlap, duplication, inaccuracies in data, and questionable authenticity. In my opinion, a caste census should not be viewed as a cure-all for unemployment and existing inequalities. Departing from our longstanding policy on this crucial and sensitive issue carries significant long-term implications for the nation,” stated Mr. Sharma.
He further emphasized that the Congress must endeavor to reclaim its position as a facilitator of national consensus and promote the development of a harmonious society. “The articulation of the party’s stance should be measured and avoid the radical posturing often adopted by regional and caste-based organizations,” he remarked.
‘Decision taken last year’
Responding to the letter, Chandan Yadav, an All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary, stated that the choice to conduct a caste-based census at the national level was a significant decision made during the Raipur Plenary session in February 2023. He criticized Mr. Sharma’s questioning of this decision, suggesting that it undermines the extensive outreach efforts of the party and Rahul Gandhi to the marginalized classes. Yadav further argued that leaders like Sharma have consistently disregarded the legitimate aspirations of the marginalized majority.
