New Delhi, June 6, 2025 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of adopting contradictory positions on caste-related issues. The criticism follows Modi’s recent statements downplaying the role of caste in Indian society, even as he continues to affirm his own identity as a member of the Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Speaking at a public rally, Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister’s apparent inconsistency:
“On one hand, the Prime Minister says there is no caste in India. But on the other, he proudly claims to be an OBC. Which one is the truth?” he asked.
The comments come amid a broader national debate over the caste census and its implications for social justice. The Congress party has been vocally advocating for a nationwide caste-based census, arguing that it is essential for equitable resource allocation and informed policymaking. The ruling BJP has taken a more restrained approach, with Prime Minister Modi frequently emphasizing poverty alleviation over caste distinctions.
“The truth is, the Prime Minister is afraid of the caste census because it will reveal how resources are being unfairly distributed,” Gandhi alleged. He suggested that Modi’s remarks were part of a broader strategy to divert attention from increasing demands for data transparency and accountability.
Despite the BJP’s hesitation at the national level, several states—such as Bihar and Karnataka—have independently conducted caste surveys, citing the need for granular data to inform targeted welfare programs.
BJP spokespersons have defended the Prime Minister, asserting that his comments were meant to promote national unity and transcend divisive identity politics. They also noted that Modi’s OBC background is a matter of personal identity rather than political expediency.
As India heads into a busy electoral season, with several key state polls in 2025 and the 2026 Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, the discourse around caste, identity, and representation is expected to become increasingly central to political narratives across party lines.
