Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has welcomed the central government’s decision to conduct a caste census, calling it a step in the right direction. However, he also pushed for more sweeping reforms, demanding the immediate removal of the 50% cap on reservations and extending reservation policies to private institutions.
Addressing the media, Gandhi said, “My demand for a caste census has been accepted. Now, I want the cap of 50% on reservation to be removed immediately. I also demand reservation in private institutions.”
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks are part of the Congress party’s broader push for what it calls “real social justice” aimed at addressing inequalities faced by backward and marginalized communities. He argued that current policies are outdated and do not reflect the true social and economic needs of India’s population.
The 50% cap on reservations was established by the Supreme Court in 1992, but many political leaders, particularly from opposition parties, have recently questioned its relevance. With the upcoming caste census expected to reveal updated demographic and socio-economic data, Gandhi and others argue that policy must evolve based on the realities the data uncovers.
In addition, Rahul Gandhi’s demand for extending reservations to the private sector reflects a growing concern over the shrinking number of public sector jobs and the increasing dominance of private institutions in both employment and education.
Political analysts say Gandhi’s latest remarks signal the Congress party’s intent to focus heavily on caste-based equity and social justice in its future campaigns. While the government has yet to officially respond to these new demands, the issue is expected to become a key topic of debate in the national political landscape.
