Importance of Numbers in Governance
Governments use numbers for everything—from inventory in offices to population data.
Census data forms the basis of state control, planning, and legitimacy.
Eeven objects, like commodities or people, have a political life through quantification.
Historical Role of Caste in Census
The first Indian Census (1872) under British rule was used for control and administration.
H.H. Risley’s caste-based Census (1901) turned a neutral statistical exercise into a political tool.
This Census promoted caste-based identities and caste-related literature across India.
OBCs and Political Mobilisation
In colonial times, Census data was used to gain education and political power—initially by upper castes, later by subaltern groups.
Dr. Ambedkar advocated Dalit rights, while OBCs were initially overlooked.
The Kaka Kalelkar Commission (1953) identified 2,300 OBC communities but wasn’t implemented due to vague criteria.
Ram Manohar Lohia challenged “merit” and advocated for representation based on social disadvantage.
Rise of Mandal Politics
Mandal Commission (1980) used 1931 data to estimate OBCs at 52% and recommended 27% reservations.
Partial implementation in 1990 sparked political debate and deepened caste-based politics.
The Mandal era strengthened OBC leadership and made reservations a political norm.
Push for a New Caste Census
Since 2014, BJP has gained OBC and SC support using a broader Hindutva narrative.
Regional parties like Samajwadi Party and Congress are now demanding caste enumeration to appeal to OBCs, Dalits, and minorities.
Rahul Gandhi calls caste Census an “X-ray” of society to address historic imbalances.
Why the New Caste Census Matters
It will include all castes, including underrepresented groups, minorities, and denotified tribes.
Could reveal economic inequality by linking caste with data on land ownership and wealth.
Small and marginalised communities without political leadership will gain visibility.
Electoral Strategies Linked to Caste Count
BJP’s moves in states like Bihar (honouring Karpoori Thakur, supporting caste Census) aim to woo Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).
BJP wants to expand its voter base in states where it was weak.
Other parties will also adjust strategies to appeal to emerging caste realities.
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