A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed the caste census, calling it a tool to uplift marginalised communities, the Congress on Monday (May 26, 2025) took a dig at him by sharing past video clips where he criticized the very idea. The Prime Minister had asserted on Sunday (May 25) that caste enumeration aims to integrate historically disadvantaged groups into the development process, adding that his government supports empowerment, not caste-based politics.

Modi made these comments during a conclave attended by NDA Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers, where two key resolutions were passed—one commending the armed forces and Modi’s leadership during recent military operations, and another endorsing the upcoming caste enumeration in the next national census.

In response, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh posted two videos of the Prime Minister from previous years, where Modi criticized the Opposition’s demand for a caste-based census. “On April 30, 2025—between the Pahalgam terror attacks and Operation Sindoor—the Modi government suddenly announced a caste census. Yesterday, the PM unsurprisingly claimed full credit for it,” Ramesh commented.

He pointed to two specific instances: one from October 2, 2023, when the Bihar caste survey results were released, and another from April 28, 2024, when Modi dismissed Congress’s demand as reflecting an "urban Naxal mindset." In one clip, Modi is heard accusing the Opposition of continuing to divide society along caste lines.

The BJP has not issued an official response yet, but party president J.P. Nadda stated after the NDA meeting that caste-based data collection has always been part of the alliance's broader vision. He highlighted that Bihar—under JD(U) leader and CM Nitish Kumar—was the first to carry out such a survey.

According to Nadda, the caste census reflects the NDA’s commitment to inclusive development, acknowledging the needs of Dalits, the oppressed, and other disadvantaged groups, even as the alliance rejects caste-based politics.

Last month, the Centre announced that the upcoming population census would include caste details for the first time since Independence. Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have long demanded a nationwide caste census and have made it a key election issue. Several states, including Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka, have already conducted similar surveys.