Stalin Slams BJP-Led Centre Over Caste Census Timing, Calls It Politically Motivated

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has criticized the Union government’s sudden announcement to conduct a caste census, alleging that the move “reeks of political expediency” as it coincides with the rising discourse on social justice during the Bihar elections.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Mr. Stalin said, “The timing is no coincidence. The same Prime Minister who once accused the Opposition of dividing people on caste lines has now given in to the very demand he consistently opposed.”

He pointed out that after several attempts to deny and delay the caste census, the Centre had finally announced it would be carried out along with the upcoming general census. However, key details such as the start and end dates of the census remain unclear.

"Caste Census Is Essential, Not Optional"

The Chief Minister reiterated that a caste-based census is vital for evidence-based policymaking, targeted welfare programs, and achieving true social justice. “You cannot remedy injustice without first recognising its scale,” he said.

Stalin described the announcement as a hard-fought victory for the Tamil Nadu government and the DMK. “We were the first to pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly demanding a caste census. We consistently raised this demand in meetings with the Prime Minister and through multiple letters to the Centre,” he said.

He also highlighted that while some political parties pushed for state-level caste surveys, the DMK remained firm in its belief that a caste census must be conducted by the Union government to have legal validity under the Census Act. “Our position has been vindicated. This is yet another milestone for the DMK and the INDIA bloc in our pursuit of social justice guided by the Dravidian model,” he added.

Opposition Leaders Welcome Centre's Move

Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami welcomed the Union government's decision, calling it a "historic step" after nearly 93 years. He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and used the opportunity to criticize the DMK for discarding the groundwork laid by the previous AIADMK regime for a caste survey in Tamil Nadu.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr. S. Ramadoss also praised the move, urging that the caste census be implemented without delay. He noted that the PMK had been campaigning for this initiative since 1998.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for pressuring the Centre into taking this step. “This is a victory for Rahul Gandhi,” he asserted.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan described the Centre’s announcement as “highly commendable” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Other leaders, including BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran and Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan, also expressed support for the Centre's move to conduct a caste census.