'Census a step towards principle of social justice, not politics': Dharmendra Pradhan

In conversation with TOI ’s Manash Gohain , Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended BJP ’s late but landmark endorsement of a caste census , calling it a ‘historic correction’ rather than a political U-turn. Rejecting Congress’s claim of a moral victory, he branded Rahul Gandhi’s celebration as ‘the peak of arrogance and bankruptcy of imagination’


Why did the PM suddenly back a caste census after years of silence - was it a strategic move or a reaction to Congress gaining OBC traction?

This is not sudden. BJP has always had a philosophical commitment to social harmony, social justice and affirmative action. From Jan Sangh era to Atalji and Advaniji's leadership during Mandal Commission, to today's govt under Modiji - our stance has been consistent. When VP Singh's National Front govt implemented Mandal Commission in the 1990s, BJP supported it unequivocally, standing by the principle of social justice. The PM himself belongs to an OBC community. This isn't a political response to Congress, it's a continuation of a long-standing vision.

Let me remind you, in 2024 itself, the home minister said caste enumeration would be considered at the right time. That time is now. We are not reacting to Congress; we are fulfilling a national commitment. Unlike Congress, which used reservations opportunistically, we have converted our ideology into sustained policy action.

Doesn't the timing of caste census show BJP is anxious about Bihar, especially after Nitish Kumar's successful state-level survey?

That survey was part of NDA when we were in it, and we consider it an achievement. But there's a fundamental difference - that was a survey, this will be a census. A census is a constitutionally empowered exercise. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress seem unable to grasp that distinction. Our decision is not driven by electoral anxiety but by institutional process.

We are creating a national framework for social justice. If anything, this reinforces BJP's seriousness about structural reforms, rather than merely responding to regional pressures.

Was the caste census timed to deflect attention from Pahalgam terror attack & national security lapses?

That's a completely separate issue. The Indian Army has full operational freedom, and the PM has made that clear. Security matters are being handled with utmost seriousness. Linking this with the caste census is not just disrespectful - it reveals how hollow the opposition's arguments are. We are not using social justice as a distraction. For us, it is a conviction, not a convenience.

Isn't this a political U-turn to counter Congress-led INDIA bloc's growing OBC appeal ahead of 2025 state polls?

That accusation is laughable. Those who suppressed Kaka Kalelkar Commission, shelved Mandal Commission - Congress under Nehru, Indira, and Rajiv - they now want to claim credit? Rahul Gandhi should reflect on the hypocrisy of patting himself on the back for something his own party obstructed for decades. His celebration is not a moral victory; it is, frankly, the peak of arrogance and bankruptcy of imagination. This isn't a U-turn. This is BJP institutionalising what others only politicised.

As education minister from a backward community, do you believe today's education system reflects caste realities - or is updated data from a census essential?

n To make informed and equitable policy today, we need credible data. Social equality is a fundamental right - and that includes access to education. The caste census will provide a much-needed empirical base to understand educational disparities. You cannot address inequality without first recognising its extent. This is not just about data; it's about dignity.