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Key Points

Former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah has publicly endorsed the Modi government's initiative to conduct a comprehensive caste census, emphasizing its potential to reveal social diversity. The proposed census would provide detailed insights into demographic compositions of various communities, including Muslims, Dalits, Sikhs, and Christians. Political leaders like Udit Raj and Dharmendra Pradhan have also supported the move, seeing it as a step towards social empowerment. Meanwhile, Mayawati has criticized major political parties for attempting to politicize the caste census issue.

Key Points: Farooq Abdullah Backs Modi's Muslim Caste Census Plan

  • Caste census aims to reveal demographics of Muslims and marginalized groups
  • BJP and Congress debate social justice implications
  • Pasmanda Muslims may be included in OBC category
3 min read

Farooq Abdullah backs caste census among Muslims

Former J&K CM supports comprehensive caste census, highlighting social diversity and potential empowerment of marginalized communities

Farooq Abdullah backs caste census among Muslims
"This country belongs to everyone. The world will know this country is a garden of many colours - Farooq Abdullah"

New Delhi, May 2

Former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah on Friday supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's decision to conduct a caste census, saying that the exercise will also shed light on the condition of marginalised Muslims.

“The caste census is a very good thing. How many Dalits are there, how many Muslims are there, how many Sikhs, how many Christians, how many Buddhists, everyone will know,” Abdullah said while speaking to IANS.

Highlighting the positive take-aways of the caste census, he said: "This country belongs to everyone. The world will know this country is a garden of many colours and that many people live here, people who believe in it. It’s a good thing. This demand has been there for a long time."

The support of former J&K Chief Minister for a caste census among Muslims comes at a time when the issue is being debated hotly.

Congress leader Udit Raj has backed the need for a caste census among Muslims.

“There is no doubt that caste exists among Muslims. During the Mandal Commission, Muslim castes were included. If that same pattern is adopted now, they too will be included in the caste census. In fact, many castes that were included in the OBC category under the Mandal framework include a large population of Muslims," he said.

BJP leaders have also welcomed that Pasmanda Muslims may figure in the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category in the next Census.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan termed the government’s decision to conduct a caste-based census along with the upcoming population census ‘futuristic’.

He said this shows PM Modi-led government's commitment and firm resolve in ensuring social justice for all, and emancipation as well as empowerment of the marginalised and deprived sections of society.

“This decision will help bring a level playing field for all the sections. It will have a futuristic impact,” the Union Minister said recently.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has accused both the BJP and Congress of politicising the issue of caste-based census. In a series of posts on X, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister alleged that the "anti-Bahujan stance" of both national parties continues to deprive Other Backward Classes (OBCs) of their rightful entitlements.

"The BJP and Congress are now rushing to take credit for the caste census issue, attempting to portray themselves as champions of OBCs. However, their track record reveals a consistent pattern of oppression and exclusion of Bahujan communities," Mayawati said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
While I support data collection for better governance, I worry this might deepen divisions. India should focus on unity - we're all Indians first. The British used census to divide us, we shouldn't repeat history.
P
Priya M.
Finally some sense! Caste exists in all communities, why pretend otherwise? Accurate data will help allocate resources better. Farooq sahab is right - India is a beautiful garden with many flowers 🌸
A
Amit S.
Interesting how suddenly everyone supports caste census before elections. Where was this concern for social justice last 5 years? Mayawati makes valid point about political opportunism.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who works in social sector, we desperately need updated caste data. Current reservations are based on 1931 census! How can we address inequalities without proper information? This is progressive step.
V
Vikram J.
The real question is - after collecting data, will govt actually help marginalized groups or just use it for vote bank politics? We've seen many commissions' recommendations gather dust. Action matters more than counting.
N
Neha P.
Mixed feelings about this. While inclusivity is good, I hope it doesn't lead to more quotas and less merit-based opportunities. Our focus should be on quality education for all, regardless of background.

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