Congress Chief Writes To PM Modi, Seeks All-Party Dialogue On Caste Census Issue

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for him to have a discussion with all political events quickly at the factor of the caste census. Kharge shared the letter on his X maintain on Tuesday. In the May 5 letter, Kharge has put forth his 3 tips for the PM’s attention at the factor of caste census.

The first level says the design of the census questionnaire is the most important. “The Union Home Ministry must draw upon the Telangana model – both the methodology adopted for finalizing the questionnaire, as well the final set of questions asked.” The 2d level says, “Whatever the results of the caste census will be, it is abundantly clear that the arbitrarily imposed 50% ceiling on reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs must be removed by a Constitutional amendment.”

The 3rd level says, “Article 15(5) was introduced in the Constitution of India with effect from 20th January 2006. This was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court. Finally, it was upheld by the Supreme Court after prolonged deliberations on 29th January 2014, very shortly before the model code of conduct for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections went into effect.”

Kharge mentioned the Article “provides for reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs in private educational institutions as well. This should be implemented.” He mentioned undertaking any workout, such because the caste census, which supplies the backward, the oppressed and the marginalised sections of our society their rights, can not and must now not be regarded as divisive whatsoever.

“Our great nation and our large-hearted people have always come together as one whenever needed, just as we have done after the recent cowardly terrorist attacks in Pahalgam,” he wrote within the letter. Kharge mentioned Congress believes that undertaking the caste census in a complete method advised above, is important to verify social and financial justice and equality of standing and alternative as pledged within the Preamble of our Constitution.

“I trust my suggestions will receive your serious consideration. In fact, I would request you to have a dialogue with all political parties soon on the issue of the caste census,” wrote Kharge within the letter. The Congress president additionally complained within the letter that he had written to the PM previous, however were given no reaction thus far.

“I had written to you on April 16, 2023, putting forward the Indian National Congress’s demand for an up-to-date caste census. Regrettably, I never received any reply to this letter. Unfortunately, your party leaders and yourself went on to attack the INC and its leadership for raising this legitimate demand, which you today acknowledge is in the interests of deeper social justice and empowerment,” Kharge mentioned.

He additionally mentioned that the caste census has been introduced, “without providing any details, that the next Census (that was actually due in 2021) will include caste as a separate category as well”.