If Centre does not start caste census in three months, it means it is disinterested, claims Kharge

If the Union government does not begin caste census in three months, it means that it is disinterested in doing it, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge claimed in Hubballi on Thursday.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the Union government’s decision to include caste in the next census. But we want no delay in it. We would like to see it happen immediately. If the work does not start in three months, it means that the Centre is not serious about it and the announcement lacks any meaning,” Mr. Kharge said.

He was addressing a Save Constitution, Save Nation rally organised by the Congress.

He also demanded that the Union government should collect all data related to various communities, conduct a caste census every 10 years and remove the 50% cap on reservation.

“Karnataka government plans to increase the total reservation quota but the Union government is not permitting it,” he said.

“Some BJP leaders are always criticising us. They speak scornfully against our party leaders. They criticize everything they do. When we were demanding caste census, they abused us saying we are trying to divide society and the country. They did not listen when we said a caste census is essential for the country’s development,” he said.

“But now, the Union government has bowed down before people pressure. Some leaders, including a Union Minister, criticised Rahul Gandhi’s views on caste census. They used unparliamentary words against him. They said that he was trying to create hatred between communities. Now that their own government has announced plans for a caste census, what will they say?’‘ Mr. Kharge asked.