Modi’s unpredictable political strategy challenges opposition narratives.
New Delhi, April 30: In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Narendra Modi-led Union Government has announced that the next national Census will include a caste-based enumeration. This move marks a major shift in policy and has triggered strong reactions across the political spectrum.
The inclusion of a caste census—long demanded by several opposition parties including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and others—has now been embraced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, catching many by surprise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision is being widely seen as a strategic masterstroke that could have far-reaching implications on Indian politics and electoral arithmetic.
Chirag Paswan Welcomes Decision, Celebrations at Bihar BJP Office
Soon after the announcement, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan publicly thanked Prime Minister Modi, hailing the decision as a “historic step” towards social justice. Supporters of the BJP and allied parties erupted in celebrations outside the party’s Bihar office, indicating the move's popularity in states where caste plays a key role in political alignments.
“This is not just a political decision but a commitment to uplift the marginalized sections of society,” Paswan said, praising the government’s willingness to address the long-standing demand of OBC and Dalit communities.
PM Modi’s Political Strategy Hard to Decode
Political analysts have described the move as yet another example of PM Modi's unpredictable but calculated approach. His decision to introduce caste enumeration—previously viewed as a core demand of the Congress and other regional parties—has effectively taken the wind out of their sails.
“This step shows Modi’s ability to reshape political narratives and neutralize opposition strategies,” noted a senior political commentator. “It’s getting increasingly difficult to anticipate his next political maneuver.”
BJP Targets Congress for Past Opposition
Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took a sharp dig at the Congress, accusing it of hypocrisy and inconsistency. “The Congress opposed caste census when it had the chance in 2010. Now they pretend to champion the cause. People are watching,” Vaishnaw said.
The BJP has been quick to highlight the Congress-led UPA government's reluctance to conduct a caste census during its tenure, pointing to a lack of political will at the time.
A Blow to Congress and Rahul Gandhi?
The Modi government's decision is also being seen as a major blow to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has recently built his political messaging around the demand for a caste-based census and greater representation for OBC communities. With the BJP now taking concrete action on the same front, the Congress could lose one of its key electoral talking points.
The announcement to include a caste census in the upcoming national enumeration exercise marks a turning point in India's socio-political landscape. As the country heads toward general elections, this bold move is likely to reshape alliances, voter sentiments, and campaign narratives. While opposition parties scramble to reassess their strategies, the BJP appears to have once again set the terms of the national debate.
