Congress leader Anand Sharma questions party's stand on caste census

Why does this story matter?

In the run-up to 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has on several occasions highlighted the party's resolve to conduct a caste census in the country if voted to power. Emphasizing this, Kharge has stated that a nationwide census would be conducted to evaluate the socio-economic and political standing of various communities. Recently, the Congress unveiled five NYAY guarantees in its manifesto, including "Hissedari Nyay," which advocates for an exhaustive social, economic, and caste census.

Sharma questions caste census as remedy to inequality

In his letter, Sharma argued that a caste census "cannot be a cure-all...a solution for unemployment and existing inequalities." He said this change in focus could potentially divert attention from addressing these urgent issues. He also quoted former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's 1980 Lok Sabha elections slogan—"Na jaat par na paat par, Mohar lagegi Haath par"—and a 1990 speech by former PM Rajiv Gandhi where he expressed worries about defining caste to institutionalize casteism in India to strengthen his argument.

Sharma advises against deviating from party's historic stance

Sharma warned that deviating from the party's historic position could be viewed as disregarding the legacies of Indira and Rajiv. He also suggested it could be interpreted as a critique of successive Congress governments' efforts to uplift disadvantaged sections of society. The senior leader encouraged the Congress to reassert its role as a builder of national consensus and work towards a harmonious society.

Sharma underlines mutual concerns over caste census

Sharma also noted that issues such as gender justice, unemployment, inflation, and escalating inequality are mutual concerns of the Congress and its alliance partners. However, he observed that the national caste census has become a prominent issue in electoral discussions. While some alliance parties have long engaged in caste-based politics, Sharma stressed that the Congress's policy on social justice is grounded in understanding the complexities of Indian society.

Sharma, a key figure in Congress's G-23 group

Sharma—a key figure in the Congress's G-23 group—was one of the party leaders that penned a letter to then Congress president Sonia Gandhi in 2020, urging for organizational reforms. His disconnect from the party leadership intensified in 2022 when, prior to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, he stepped down as the chairperson of a poll committee. In his resignation, Sharma cited feeling "humiliated" due to "insults...deliberate exclusions." Despite this, he eventually reengaged with the party's campaign as the elections approached.