Rahul Gandhi has persistently demanded a caste-based census based on the principle of "proportional representation as per population". While the BJP categorically opposed this demand, it was eventually compelled to accept it.
“After a caste census, issues regarding reservations for all community groups may be resolved. The government must announce a time-bound census program and must implement the Telangana and Karnataka models,” demanded Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal.
Speaking at a press conference in Tilak Bhavan, Sapkal stated that the caste census was not only a headcount, but also a social agenda.
“In Maharashtra, the OBC population could rise from 27% to around 64%. This census will help determine the exact population of each community, thereby aiding the resolution of Patidar, Gurjar, and Maratha reservation issues. The credit for forcing the BJP government to agree to the caste census goes to Rahul Gandhi, who relentlessly pursued the demand, leaving the Modi government with no choice but to act. The government should now train its staff and officials on the process and data collection methods involved in the census,” he added.
Sapkal said that Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy had even been stopped by police in Bihar while he was on his way to campaign for the 'Stop Migration, Give Jobs' movement.
“This reflects an abuse of power. What crime has he done by interacting with students? But the BJP-led government does not believe in democracy. This incident is authoritarian and infringes upon his fundamental rights. The Congress party strongly condemns it.”
He also demanded that a sedition case be filed immediately against Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister Vijay Shah, who used extremely derogatory language against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
“He should be immediately dismissed from both the cabinet and the party, but it seems the BJP’s central leadership is supporting him. Despite the High Court directing that a case be filed against him, he shamelessly approached the Supreme Court, which too reprimanded him ... This is a matter of national honour, and a sedition case should be registered against him, along with his expulsion from the cabinet," Sapkal demanded.