The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has announced a caste census, surprising many with its sudden decision to conduct such a survey. The Opposition and political analysts have been taken aback by this move, which has sparked intense debate over the party’s intentions.
To understand the BJP’s U-turn on the caste census, it is essential to consider several factors. Firstly, the Congress party has long advocated for a nationwide caste census, promising to implement one if it comes to power. This promise has been a key part of its social justice plank, with an aim to break the BJP’s hold on the OBC (Other Backward Class) vote bloc.
In the 2024 general elections, the BJP did not perform as expected, losing four per cent of Hindu Upper-OBC support and gaining only seven per cent from Lower-OBCs. The party suffered a significant loss in Bihar, where it won fewer seats than in previous elections. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP also lost ground, with Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA (Pichade) formula winning over Hindutva.
In light of these losses, the Opposition has been pushing for a caste census, hoping to force the BJP to play on their pitch. The party has realised that ignoring the caste question at its peril, and that responding to it is crucial to staying relevant in Indian politics.
However, the BJP’s decision to conduct a caste census may have unintended consequences. By acknowledging the importance of caste arithmetic, the party risks undermining its Hindutva umbrella, which was built on the idea of Hindu voters coming together under one banner. This could lead to division of votes along caste lines, potentially disappointing some urban and middle-class voters.
Ultimately, the BJP’s U-turn on the caste census is a strategic move aimed at countering the Opposition’s social justice plank. However, its success will depend on how effectively it leverages this issue to win over voters.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/opinion/story/bjp-caste-census-strike-why-did-modi-government-make-a-u-turn-2718168-2025-05-01