Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of a caste census during the discussions. Congress President Kharge advocated for further deliberation on the Supreme Court’s decision and announced plans to consult with Chief Ministers and senior leaders from Congress-ruled states.
The Congress party is currently divided on the issue of SC/ST reservation quotas. While most Dalit and tribal leaders within the party oppose the Supreme Court’s ruling, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has expressed support for its implementation. Sources suggest that instead of taking a definitive stand on the court’s decision, the Congress may leverage the situation to amplify their demand for a caste census, a cause that Rahul Gandhi has been vocally supporting. The party is also awaiting the central government’s position on the matter.
The Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling on August 1, overturned a 20-year-old decision, stating that Scheduled Castes constitute a single group that cannot be further divided by sub-castes. The court also issued directives for state governments, stipulating that quotas must be based on robust data regarding the share of each caste within the Scheduled Castes and prohibiting the allocation of 100% quota to any single caste.
Congress leaders are now tasked with navigating the complexities of this ruling and its implications for the party’s policies and political strategy.
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