Congress leader criticizes the rejection of caste census as disrespecting the legacies of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi.
Anand Sharma, a Congress leader, said many party members are worried about changing from our usual stance.
In New Delhi, there are disagreements within the Congress about its call for a caste census nationwide, as a senior leader says the party never supported identity politics.
Anand Sharma cautioned that pushing for a caste census could be seen as disrespecting past Congress leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, in a letter to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge shared by news agency IANS.
Mr. Sharma reminded about Indira Gandhi’s 1980 slogan, “Na jaat par na paat par, mohar lagegi Haath par,” highlighting Congress’s historical position on caste. He also mentioned that in 1990, Rajiv Gandhi opposed using “casteism” in elections.
“Many Congress members are worried about changing our usual stance. We need to think about it. I think people might see it as disrespecting Indira ji and Rajiv ji’s legacy,” said Mr. Sharma.
The Congress has pushed for a caste census, done only in Congress-ruled Karnataka and Bihar, where it allied with the RJD. Rahul Gandhi pledged a nationwide caste census if the opposition’s INDIA bloc takes power at the center.
Mr. Sharma, a long-time Congress member, stated that although some alliance partners have engaged in caste-based politics, the Congress’s approach to social justice is rooted in a deep and knowledgeable understanding of India’s societal complexities.
“Caste exists in Indian society, but the Congress has never supported identity politics. This is harmful to democracy in a diverse society like ours, which includes various regions, religions, castes, and ethnicities,” he said.
The Congress believes in including everyone and making fair policies for the poor and underprivileged, without any discrimination, said the former Union Minister.
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