We will conduct caste census if elected: Rahul

Raipur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasised the influence of bureaucracy in the government and the necessity of a Caste Census during an address at the 'Awas Sammelan' in Takhatpur, Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh.

He pledged that if the Congress is elected to power, their first step would be to conduct a Caste Census.

Gandhi stated, "The 'Hindustan government' is not run by MPs or MLAs but by the bureaucracy, who are framing government policies." He highlighted the pivotal role played by bureaucrats in shaping and executing government policies.

He underscored the importance of a Caste Census, explaining that such an initiative would enable the inclusion of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Dalits, tribals, and women in the nation's development. Gandhi asserted, "A Caste Census is like the X-ray of India and it would help us understand how many OBCs, tribals, and individuals from the general category are there in the country. Once the data is known, the nation can move forward inclusively."

Gandhi also drew a



comparison between the Congress and the BJP, using a remote control as a metaphor. He stated that when the Congress is in power, the poor and needy benefit, whereas when the ruling BJP is in control, entities like Adani receive contracts for ports, airports, and railways.

He mentioned that the Congress had previously conducted a Caste Census, which contains records of the population of every caste in the country. Despite the Union government having access to this report, Gandhi claimed that Prime Minister Modi is reluctant to reveal it.

Gandhi asserted that conducting a Caste Census is essential to ensure the participation of OBCs, Dalits, Tribals, and women in the governance process.

Gandhi also praised the Bhupesh Baghel government for fulfilling the promises made by the Congress before the 2018 Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh. He cited achievements such as reducing electricity bills, ensuring fair paddy prices, and providing unemployment allowances to 1.30 lakh unemployed youths.