Caste Census Controversy: Spotlight on Budget Allocation

The Congress accuses the Central government of political maneuvering by announcing a caste census without budget allocation. The Maharashtra Congress OBC cell president, Bhanudas Mali, emphasizes the need for resources for an exercise involving over 4,000 castes. The party plans a state-level convention in June.

The Congress party has raised concerns over the announcement of a caste census by the Central government, labeling it a political ploy due to the absence of a dedicated budget for the exercise. Maharashtra Congress' OBC cell president Bhanudas Mali highlighted the complexity of the task, which covers more than 4,000 castes across India.

Mali criticized the government for failing to allocate the estimated Rs 25,000 crore needed to conduct such a census, rendering the announcement as mere political theatrics. He also accused the BJP of attempting to claim undue credit for the census initiative, originally advocated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress will hold a state-level convention in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in June, featuring prominent leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot. This event aims to further discuss and strategize the party's stance on the caste census issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)