From the Urdu Press: ‘Caste census move historic… wrests key Opp plank'; ‘Rahul apology on anti-Sikh riots sets an example for others'

Indian Express

06-05-2025

As tension between India and Pakistan soars in the wake of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Kashmir, the Urdu dailies kept their focus on the conflict. Another issue that dominated their news and commentary pages was the Narendra Modi government's surprise decision to include caste count in the forthcoming Census, with the dailies shining light on its ramifications for social equations, development and politics.
SIASAT
Highlighting the Modi government's decision to include caste enumeration in the overdue population Census, the Hyderabad -based Siasat, in its May 3 editorial, notes that the Congress has been campaigning for a national caste census for the last few years. Congress-ruled states like Telangana and Karnataka have also conducted caste surveys, it adds, while the Congress was part of the Bihar government when it carried out a caste count. The editorial says Rahul Gandhi in particular had been spearheading the Congress's campaign for a caste census, 'pledging even during his Bharat Jodo Yatras that his party-ruled states would go for a caste count'.
The Revanth Reddy -led Congress government in Telangana has passed a legislation to provide 42% reservation for the backward classes (BCs) as per their population in the state, the edit notes. 'In light of growing disquiet among the backward communities for equitable share in development and resources, Rahul has been making the pitch for 'Jitni Aabadi Utna Haq' (proportional representation), forcing the government to finally include caste in the Census process,' it says, adding that the timeframe of this entire exercise though is yet to be announced.
The Centre's decision has heated up national politics, with both the ruling and the Opposition parties vying with each other to take credit for it, the daily states. The Congress has maintained that Rahul's 'relentless campaign' forced the Modi government's hand on the issue. In the run-up to the Bihar Assembly polls, the JD(U), now in the NDA fold, as well as the RJD and Congress have staked claims over Bihar's caste survey. While attempts are being made by the parties to extract political mileage, the focus should remain on the roadmap to be firmed up after the caste census, the edit says, adding that all players must seize on it to deepen social justice.
SALAR
In its May 2 leader, the Bengaluru -based Salar says that regardless of what led to the BJP -led NDA government's green signal for caste census — its calculations for the Bihar polls or the Congress's sustained campaign — it is a 'historic decision' through which the BJP has wrested a key plank from the Opposition, which had used it to gain ground in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. 'The caste census would be a landmark event which could foster social and political equalities, although it would also involve huge challenges. Following the exercise, various caste groups would demand reservation in accordance with their share in population,' the editorial says. 'There are various things that remain uncertain about the proposed caste census, including its schedule. The government had also passed women reservation law, but its implementation continues to hang fire.'
The daily points out that while the caste census in the country had started in 1872 during the British rule, the last time it was held was in 1931. 'In Independent India, the government has always conducted a count of only the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) so far. The previous Congress-led UPA government carried out the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC), but its caste data was never released,' it notes. 'While the Opposition championed the caste census issue to put the Modi government on the back foot, the BJP has now seized the initiative to get the upper hand. It is to be seen how the BJP would navigate the demands for quotas as per populations, that would be raised by various communities after the caste census.'
The editorial flags challenges facing those states which have conducted caste surveys. 'Karnataka is facing a row over its caste survey report, which has recommended an increase in OBC quota from the existing 32% to 51%, and a hike in Muslim quota from 4% to 8%,' it states. The report has also estimated lower population figures for Vokkaligas and Lingayats — the communities that dominate state politics. 'While announcing the Centre's decision, Union Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw said that the caste census would strengthen the social and economic structures of our society. Going by the rows over such surveys in Karnataka and Bihar, it may also create new conflicts,' the edit adds.
SIASAT
Referring to Rahul Gandhi's interaction with students at Brown University in the US, Siasat, in its May 5 editorial, notes that responding to a question on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Rahul said he had publicly stated that what happened in the 1980s was wrong. 'Rahul said a lot of the mistakes the Congress committed happened when he was not in politics, but he added that he would take responsibility for everything wrong it did in its history,' the edit says. Replying to the question whether he had tried to create 'fear' of the BJP regime among Sikhs, Rahul said the issue he had raised was simply whether we want an India where minorities are uncomfortable about expressing their faith. He also said he has a close bond with the Sikh community.
The editorial points out that on several occasions earlier, too, Rahul had taken responsibility for the Congress's mistakes on various issues. 'Rahul had not been in public life during the tumultuous period of 1980s. But his admission of his party's mistakes and his accountability reflect a large-hearted character. Our politicians are not known to tender apologies. So Rahul's gesture marks a refreshing change, which should become an example for other leaders,' it says.
The daily states that it is a 'bitter truth' of Indian politics that instead of admitting their mistakes or wrongdoings over various issues the parties and leaders prefer to justify them or brazen it out. 'This could not be the right approach to serve public interest for which it is imperative to have empathy, understanding and generosity of spirit. Rahul's bid to accept responsibility for his party's bunglings would boost his image. Such a political will and conduct need to be encouraged among our politicians.'