On March 20, 2025, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, termed it “anti-national” not to support the demand for a caste census. Gandhi’s remarks were made during an interaction with former UGC Chairman Sukhadeo Thorat and were released on social media, coinciding with the 98th anniversary of the Mahad Satyagraha led by B.R. Ambedkar.

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• Rahul Gandhi called opposing the caste census “anti-national.”
• The statement was made during a conversation with Sukhadeo Thorat on March 20, 2025.
• The video was released to coincide with the 98th anniversary of the Mahad Satyagraha.
• Gandhi emphasized the importance of understanding access and control within India’s systems, including education, healthcare, and politics.
• He stated that caste census was crucial for uncovering inequality in the country.
• Gandhi linked the caste census to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s fight for equality during the Mahad Satyagraha in 1927.
• He advocated for a more sophisticated approach to the caste census, following Telangana’s survey.
• Gandhi met with a delegation of OBC employees to discuss their issues in the public sector.
• The Congress party has made caste census a key issue in its 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.
• The BJP, while not explicitly opposing the caste census, has cautioned about potential social divisions.