Tejashwi Yadav Writes to PM Narendra Modi, Calls Caste Census a “Transformative” Step Toward Equity
Patna, 3rd May 2025: Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his support for the Centre’s recent announcement to incorporate caste-based data in the national census.
Describing the move as potentially “transformational” in India’s journey toward equitable governance, Yadav emphasised that the inclusion of caste data must translate into tangible policy changes.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Yadav shared the letter, noting, “My letter to PM Narendra Modi. The decision to conduct the caste census can be a transformative moment in our nation’s journey towards equality. The millions who have struggled for this census await not just data but dignity, not just enumeration but empowerment.”
In the letter, Yadav conveyed “measured optimism” regarding the government’s shift in stance, recalling that the ruling NDA alliance had previously dismissed the idea of a caste census, branding it as divisive and unwarranted. He further criticised the Centre for impeding Bihar’s independent efforts to conduct a caste survey, citing opposition from government officials and BJP leaders.
Yadav noted that the decision marked a delayed but necessary acknowledgement of long-standing demands by underrepresented communities.
Highlighting findings from Bihar’s caste survey, which showed that OBCs and EBCs comprise about 63% of the population, Yadav suggested that a nationwide enumeration could debunk long-held assumptions used to sustain existing power structures.
He insisted that the caste census should serve as a foundational step toward broader reforms in social equity. “The data must initiate a comprehensive reassessment of reservation and social welfare policies. Arbitrary reservation ceilings must also be reviewed,” he wrote.
Yadav also linked the census to the upcoming delimitation process, arguing that electoral boundaries must reflect demographic realities to ensure proportional representation for historically marginalised groups such as OBCs and EBCs in legislative bodies.
Moreover, he called on the private sector to share in the responsibility of social equity. “Enterprises benefiting from public resources—such as subsidised land, tax exemptions, power subsidies, and infrastructure aid—must embody the nation’s social diversity across all levels of employment,” he wrote. He urged the government to use the momentum from the caste census to spark dialogue on inclusion and representation in the corporate world.
Yadav concluded by questioning whether the data would catalyse genuine structural change or be relegated to obscurity like previous reports. Pledging Bihar’s full support, he stressed that the ultimate goal is not just enumeration but empowerment and dignity for all.
The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, recently approved the decision to integrate caste-based enumeration in the forthcoming census. Following the announcement, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the decision underscores the government’s dedication to upholding the comprehensive welfare of society.
