On Friday, former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah welcomed the move by the Narendra Modi government to hold a caste census, stressing that it would throw light on the plight of marginalized Muslims.
"The caste census is a very positive step. It will tell us the proportion of Dalits, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and others. Everyone will be aware of where they belong," Abdullah said in an interview with IANS.
He also underscored the advantages of a caste census, adding, "This nation belongs to all its people. The world will realize that India is a very lively country with varied communities who live peacefully. It's a nice decision, and there has been a long demand for this."
Abdullah's support for a caste census among Muslims comes when the subject is creating quite a stir.
Congress leader Udit Raj has also favoured adding Muslim castes to the census. "There is caste among Muslims. Muslim castes were included during the Mandal Commission, and if the same method is adopted now, they will be accounted for in the caste census. Several castes added to the OBC list under the Mandal system comprise a vast Muslim population," he clarified.
BJP leaders have welcomed the possibility of Pasmanda Muslims being included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the upcoming census.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the government's decision, calling it “futuristic.” He remarked that the move reflects the Modi-led administration's dedication to ensuring social justice, empowerment, and the upliftment of marginalized and disadvantaged groups.
This move will level the playing field for every section of society, with long-term dividends," Pradhan said.
Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati blamed both Congress and BJP of politicizing the issue of census on caste grounds. In a series of posts on X, the ex-chief minister of Uttar Pradesh lashed out at the two parties over their "anti-Bahujan attitude" that, in her view, has systematically withheld the rightful concessions of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
BJP and Congress are now vying with each other to take credit for caste census, projecting themselves as messiahs of OBCs. But their past reveals a consistent record of oppression and discrimination against Bahujan communities," Mayawati contended.
