Congress Vows Caste Census Post MP Assembly Victory, Kharge Affirms

22-08-2023 : Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of the Congress party, asserted during a public rally in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, that the party would initiate a comprehensive caste census in the state following its anticipated victory in the upcoming assembly polls. Kharge used this platform to criticize the central government’s intentions, accusing it of aiming to alter the Constitution. The rally was held in the Bundelkhand region, which is gearing up for the impending assembly elections expected to take place by year-end.

Kharge voiced his concerns about attempts to manipulate the Constitution, emphasizing that the aspirations of the country’s 140 crore citizens were aligned with the preservation of its core principles. Paying homage to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who was born in MP’s Mhow, Kharge took a stand against the perceived disregard for constitutional values.

The Congress leader further criticized the BJP, particularly during election periods, for invoking the name of Sant Ravidas, a revered figure among the Scheduled Castes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for a Sant Ravidas memorial-cum-temple in Sagar district, which Kharge interpreted as a strategic move ahead of the polls.

Drawing from a newspaper report, Kharge alleged that the BJP had demolished a temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas in Delhi. In a bid to address these concerns and underscore its commitment to inclusive governance, Kharge announced that the Congress would establish a university named after Sant Ravidas in Sagar district if the party secured power in Madhya Pradesh.

Kharge didn’t stop at promises regarding caste census and educational institutions. He also accused PM Modi of inaction in addressing the violence crisis in Manipur and accused the BJP government of not implementing the Bundelkhand package, which had received approval based on the recommendations of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

As the political landscape heats up, Kharge responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s challenge for the Congress to list its accomplishments during its 53-year rule in Madhya Pradesh. Kharge listed significant institutions such as the Bhilai Steel Plant, IIM, and IIT in Indore, AIIMS in Bhopal, and the Chambal Ghati Project.