The Congress has accused the government of attempting to stall the caste census and modify the women’s reservation law, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to deceive the nation. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that the government is seeking to amend Article 334-A under the pretext that the caste census results will be delayed, despite Bihar and Telangana completing their caste surveys in less than six months.
Article 334-A mandates that the reservation of seats for women is contingent upon a census and delimitation process. However, the government has opted to separate the implementation of the women’s quota from the census to expedite the process. Ramesh labeled this move as an attempt by the Modi government to shelve the caste census, referring to it as a “hidden agenda.”
There has been no immediate response from the government regarding these allegations. Ramesh highlighted the government’s previous stance against a caste census, citing a Lok Sabha response from July 20, 2021, where the government stated its policy decision not to enumerate caste-wise populations beyond SCs and STs in the Census. Additionally, on September 21, 2021, the government submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court affirming its deliberate choice to forgo a caste census.
The Congress leader also pointed to past instances where the government shifted its position on the caste census, including a sudden announcement in April 2025 to include it in the upcoming census. Ramesh criticized the government’s proposed amendment to Article 334-A, emphasizing that Bihar and Telangana managed to complete their caste surveys swiftly.
Accusing the prime minister of misleading the public, Ramesh criticized the government’s intentions to alter the unanimously passed legislation from September 2023. The Congress highlighted the Registrar General and Census Commissioner’s assurances of data confidentiality and the efficient digitalization of the ongoing Census.
The Congress’s criticism coincides with the upcoming parliamentary session where bills related to the Women’s Reservation Act and the increase in Lok Sabha seats are expected to be tabled. The Congress has raised concerns about the government’s handling of the women’s reservation law and stressed the need for thorough discussions on the proposed changes before implementing them. Plans for a joint opposition strategy meeting have been set in motion ahead of the parliamentary session to address these concerns.