Rahul Gandhi Hails Telangana Caste Survey as a Milestone for Social Justice
New Delhi, July 24, 2025
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday lauded the caste survey conducted by the Congress government in Telangana, calling it a historic milestone for social justice in India. He asserted that the survey would serve as a model for a nationwide caste census and sharply criticized the Modi-led BJP government for allegedly avoiding the truth about the socio-economic realities of marginalized communities.
“The Modi government won’t conduct the caste census in the right way because they cannot reveal the true status of OBCs, Dalits, Tribals, and even the General category. Their entire narrative collapses if the truth comes out,” Rahul Gandhi said while addressing Congress MPs at a meeting in New Delhi.
The remarks came after Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka presented a detailed PowerPoint briefing to Congress MPs on the methodology and findings of the Socio-Economic, Education, Employment, Political, and Caste (SEEEPC) survey conducted in the state.
AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other top leaders were also present at the session. The Telangana leaders explained how the data from the survey formed the basis for two crucial Bills passed by the state assembly—proposing an increase in reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) to 42% in education, employment, and local bodies. These Bills have been forwarded to the Centre, seeking inclusion in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, as the overall reservation would exceed the 50% cap set by the Supreme Court.
Rahul Gandhi urged Congress MPs to build pressure on the central government to accept the proposal and support the move to enshrine increased BC reservations in the Ninth Schedule.
Reiterating the party’s commitment to breach the 50% reservation limit, Gandhi said, “We are going to break the 50 percent wall of reservation. The Telangana government has already sent a formal request to the President of India, but the Union government is blocking it. Our duty is to ensure that every Indian understands the progressive work being done in Telangana and how the Centre is trying to stall it.”
He commended the Telangana government for its efficient execution of the survey, describing it as a benchmark for other states. “They didn’t just conduct the caste survey — they did it exceptionally well and in the right spirit. This is a milestone for social justice, and it sets a national standard, whether the BJP agrees or not,” Gandhi added.
In a candid reflection, the Congress leader acknowledged past shortcomings of his party in addressing the needs of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). “While the Congress has historically stood by Dalits, Adivasis, and women, we did fall short in understanding and responding to OBC issues. This gap allowed the BJP to step in and exploit that space,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need for the Congress to be more inclusive. “We must ensure that every community feels seen, heard, and protected. That is the true essence of our party’s vision.”
Highlighting the strategic importance of data in modern governance, Gandhi said, “In the 1950s and 1970s, power came from oil. Today, power comes from data.” He noted that Telangana now possesses robust 21st-century socio-economic and political data that can be used to drive targeted development.
“Telangana now has the power to plan at the street level. Whether it’s in health, education, or caste-based upliftment, no other state has this kind of granular development capability,” he said.
He concluded by expressing confidence in Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s ability to use the data effectively. “Now, it’s Revanth Reddy’s task to turn this data into transformative action for the people of Telangana.”
