Thu May 01 22:30:11 UTC 2025: ## Bihar’s Caste Census Credit Claim Sparks Political Row

PATNA, Bihar—The Indian government’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census has ignited a political firestorm in Bihar, with rival parties vying to claim credit for the move. The Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), the ruling party in Bihar, asserts that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s initiative to conduct a caste-based survey in the state directly led to the central government’s decision. JD(U) leaders, including Chief Umesh Kushwaha and Minister Vijay Choudhary, highlighted Kumar’s early advocacy for caste enumeration, dating back to 2019-20, and claimed that his proposal was initially rejected by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee within the INDIA bloc.

However, the Bihar Congress vehemently refutes this, crediting Rahul Gandhi for the inclusion of caste data. State Congress president Rajesh Kumar celebrated the announcement with a drum performance at party headquarters, while party in-charge Krishna Allavaru emphasized Gandhi’s persistent pressure on the government for caste enumeration.

Adding to the fray, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav acknowledged Lalu Prasad’s long-standing advocacy for caste census, questioning the timing of the implementation and the government’s past opposition. He also raised concerns about the four-year delay in conducting the census.

The competing claims underscore the high stakes surrounding the caste census, particularly given the upcoming Bihar State Assembly elections. The issue promises to remain a key point of contention in the state’s political landscape.

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