Congress Working Committee meet to seek amendment to remove 50% cap on reservation

Thu May 01 17:18:59 UTC 2025: ## Congress Demands Constitutional Amendment to Remove Reservation Cap Following Caste Census Announcement

**New Delhi, May 1, 2025** – The Indian National Congress launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government Thursday, demanding a constitutional amendment to lift the 50% reservation cap following the government’s announcement of a caste census. The party accused Prime Minister Modi of prioritizing headlines over concrete action, pointing to discrepancies in the allocated budget for the census.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing rallies in Karnataka, credited the party, particularly Rahul Gandhi, for pressuring the government into conducting the census, highlighting the BJP and RSS’s historical opposition to the measure. He further stated that the party’s Working Committee (CWC) will meet Friday to strategize their social justice agenda in light of the announcement, also urging strong action against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and the granting of “martyr” status to the victims.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh echoed these sentiments at a press conference, questioning the government’s U-turn on the caste census, referencing Prime Minister Modi’s previous characterization of those demanding the census as “urban Naxals.” Ramesh raised concerns about the significantly reduced budget allocated for the census compared to previous plans, suggesting the government’s commitment is superficial. He emphasized that a constitutional amendment is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the caste census results.

The Congress party launched a social media campaign, “#ThankYouRahulGandhi,” highlighting past statements by BJP leaders vehemently opposing a caste census, further emphasizing their claim of forcing the government’s hand. The party also displayed posters outside the AICC headquarters expressing gratitude to Rahul Gandhi for his role in the matter. The Congress contends that the government’s announcement is a distraction from the Pahalgam tragedy and demands immediate action against Pakistan.

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