Union Minister Anupriya Patel Reaffirms Support for Caste Census

By A Staff Reporter

Union Minister Anupriya Patel has reiterated her party Apna Dal (S)’s unwavering support for the caste census, calling it a long-standing demand of the party. Speaking at an event in Lucknow, Patel pointed out that the caste census is not a new issue for her party, as they have consistently advocated for its implementation.

"Caste census is not a new issue. We have always supported it. Our party has a clear stand that the caste census should be conducted," said Patel, reinforcing the Apna Dal (S)’s position on the matter.

She further criticized opposition parties like Congress and the Samajwadi Party for neglecting the issue during their time in power. According to Patel, "It could be a new issue for the opposition. When they were in power, be it Congress or the Samajwadi Party, they were not concerned about the caste census."

Patel's remarks come amid growing demands for a caste-based census in India, with proponents arguing that it would provide crucial data to design better welfare policies and address socio-economic disparities. Her party, Apna Dal (S), which primarily represents backward classes, has made the caste census one of its core political agendas.

The demand for a caste census has gained momentum in recent years, with several political parties across the spectrum advocating for it. However, Patel’s comments reflect the ongoing debate, where the ruling party’s allies push for its implementation while pointing to opposition parties' past inaction on the matter.