Modi government deliberately obstructing caste Census to prevent true representation of OBCs, EBCs: Congress leader

On September 5, 2026, Manikrao Thakare, an influential leader of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in charge of Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, made a strong claim against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. He alleged that the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is deliberately obstructing the caste Census process to prevent "true representation" of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).

Thakare argued that the NDA government and Modi are attempting to derail the true objectives of the Census. He pointed out that the Congress party, along with leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have exposed this conspiracy in Parliament. According to Thakare, the NDA government's opposition to the caste Census has been consistent, suggesting that they may be intentionally delaying or complicating the process to avoid negative publicity.

The AICC leader highlighted the success of caste surveys conducted in Bihar under the Mahagathbandhan government and Telangana, which could serve as precedents for the Union government to follow. Thakare stated that the BJP-led government in Bihar had even sought to raise the reservation limit to 65%, but the matter was stuck in court due to alleged apathy from the Union Government.

Thakare pointed out discrepancies in the caste Census questionnaire, casting doubt on the government's intentions. He emphasized that a caste Census would provide accurate data on the social, economic, and educational status of each caste, enabling the government to create targeted development schemes for disadvantaged groups.

The Congress leader demanded the formulation of a new questionnaire, developed in consultation with political parties and experts, that incorporates the models used in Bihar and Telangana. Thakare emphasized that a caste Census is essential for revealing the participation of OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis in the country and ensuring their proper integration into mainstream society.