Congress Welcomes Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur, Demands Caste Census for True Tribute

The Congress party lauded the decision to confer Bharat Ratna on former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur but stressed the importance of a caste census as a genuine tribute, highlighting the need for substantial justice rather than symbolic gestures.

New Delhi: The Congress party has expressed its support for the decision to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, on former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur. However, the party has also emphasized the need for a caste census, asserting that it would be a true tribute to Thakur's legacy and commitment to social justice.

Karpoori Thakur: A Champion of Social Justice

Karpoori Thakur, who served as the chief minister of Bihar twice, is widely regarded as a champion of social justice. He believed that development in the country could not be complete without addressing social inequalities and advocated for a caste census to understand and address the disparities faced by marginalized communities. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, has opposed the idea of a caste census.

Congress's Criticism of the BJP

The Congress party has criticized the BJP government for its alleged concealment of the results of the social and economic caste census conducted in 2011 and its reluctance to conduct a nationwide caste census. Congress leaders have accused the BJP of attempting to weaken the movement for social justice by suppressing data on caste-based disparities.

Rahul Gandhi's Tribute and Call for Caste Census

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to Karpoori Thakur, describing him as an incomparable warrior of social justice. He welcomed the decision to award the Bharat Ratna posthumously but emphasized the need for real justice rather than mere symbolism. Gandhi asserted that conducting a caste census would be a true tribute to Thakur's struggles for the rights of the backward and deprived communities.

Congress Demands Nationwide Caste Census

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh echoed the call for a nationwide caste census, stating that it would be an appropriate tribute to Karpoori Thakur. He criticized the Modi government for its refusal to release the results of the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census and its reluctance to commit to an updated nationwide caste census.

The Congress party's support for the Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur is accompanied by a strong demand for a caste census. The party believes that a caste census is essential for addressing social inequalities and ensuring participatory justice, which is one of the five pillars of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The Congress hopes that the government will heed its demand and take concrete steps towards social justice and equality.