The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday, January 19, 2025, criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his inconsistent stance on the caste census. The JD(U) alleged that Gandhi remained silent when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar raised the matter in INDIA bloc meetings, despite his recent criticism of Bihar’s caste survey as a “fake exercise.”
JD(U) working president and MP Sanjay Jha pointed out that Gandhi’s silence during the INDIA bloc discussions contrasted sharply with his current call for a nationwide caste census. “There cannot be a bigger hypocrisy than this,” said Jha, adding that he had personally witnessed Kumar advocating for the caste census in several INDIA bloc meetings.
Bihar’s caste survey, conducted under Kumar’s leadership, was completed and its findings released when the Congress was a coalition partner in the state government. Defending the survey, Jha emphasized that Nitish Kumar is the first leader since 1931 to conduct a scientific count of caste populations to promote social justice.
Taking aim at Gandhi, Jha questioned the Congress leader’s recent claims, asking if Gandhi believes Bihar’s survey results were flawed. He urged Gandhi to be more specific rather than avoiding the issue.
Jha also criticized the Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of withholding the state’s caste data for years. “Why does Gandhi not ensure its release?” he questioned.
The JD(U) leader reiterated Kumar’s commitment to using the caste survey data to enhance social equity, despite legal challenges. Jha also highlighted that the Bihar government had utilized the findings to expand reservation policies, a matter currently under judicial review.
This statement marks a continuation of JD(U)’s criticism of the Congress following its split from the INDIA bloc and renewed alliance with the BJP.
