In the wake of Bihar's caste-based population survey, Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has urged the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government to conduct a similar census. She believes that this census is the first step towards ensuring the constitutional rights of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India. Mayawati's call for a caste census is not limited to her state; she envisions a nationwide exercise, ideally conducted by the BJP-led Central government.
The findings of Bihar's caste census have sparked intense discussions, with different political parties reacting differently. For Mayawati and the BSP, this development is seen as a positive turn in Indian politics, favoring the historically neglected 'Bahujan Samaj.' It has made some sections, which she described as "extreme anti-caste and anti-Mandal," concerned about their future.
Bihar's caste census revealed interesting insights into the state's demographics. The Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) constituted the largest social segment at 36%, followed by the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at 27.13%. Scheduled Castes, or Dalits, accounted for 19.65% of the total population.
The opposition block, INDIA, welcomed the Bihar survey and expressed its intent to conduct a nationwide caste census if it forms the government at the Centre after the 2024 general elections. The Congress party has also supported the idea, emphasizing the importance of understanding India's caste statistics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, accused the Congress of attempting to divide society on caste lines. The caste-based census is a contentious issue in Indian politics, with different parties holding varying perspectives on its necessity and implications.
Mayawati's regional rival, Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, has also called for a nationwide caste census, urging the BJP government to set aside politics and conduct this exercise in the spirit of social justice and cooperation.
The Bihar caste-based census has ignited a nationwide conversation about caste demographics and the representation of different social groups in India. It remains to be seen whether the Central government will heed the calls for a nationwide caste census and how this issue will shape the political landscape in the coming years.
