Lucknow: Congress OBC wing on Thursday raised a pitch for a nationwide caste census and greater representation for backward communities, while warning of a countrywide agitation if OBC women are excluded from the proposed women’s reservation framework.Addressing a press conference, OBC Congress national president Anil Jaihind said a “scientific caste census” was essential to ensure equitable policymaking.He urged the Centre to go beyond mere headcount and collect data on the socio-economic, educational and political status of communities, citing the Telangana model.The party also announced a major event in Lucknow on April 11 to mark the 200th birth anniversary of Jyotiba Phule.
The programme, to be held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, is expected to see participation from senior leaders, including Bhupesh Baghel and Ajay Rai.Jaihind alleged that the proposed women’s reservation bill does not provide for OBC women, which could skew representation in Parliament.“Most of the reserved seats may go to the general category, weakening the principle of social justice,” he said.He further claimed that the absence of a distinct OBC category in census-related documentation reflects a lack of intent to assess the community’s real condition.Invoking the legacy of Rajiv Gandhi for strengthening OBC reservation in panchayats, Jaihind said the party would launch a nationwide movement under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi if demands were not addressed.
