Welcoming the Cabinet's decision to conduct a caste census, Ashok Gehlot said the move reflects the growing pressure created by Congress and its leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday welcomed the move as a historic decision for the upliftment of deprived sections, calling it vital for their empowerment and development.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday extended his support to the Cabinet decision approving caste enumeration in the forthcoming census, saying the move will transform social justice and data-based good governance into reality.
Drawing from Karnataka's example, Siddaramaiah noted that his government had conducted a caste census and collected extensive data to evaluate different groups' socio-economic and educational conditions.
Organised by the Central Command of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), this two-day exhibition (29-30 April 2025) showcased the state-of-the-art drone technologies developed in the country.
Odisha's Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president welcomed the Centre's decision to conduct a caste-based census on Wednesday, terming it a significant step towards ensuring social justice.
Earlier in the day, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed the media about the decision, saying the move would strengthen the country's social and economic structure.
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday welcomed the inclusion of caste-based data in the national census, stating that it would help shape government policies aimed at uplifting the downtrodden.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that his government wholeheartedly welcomes Central Government decision to conduct caste census along with population census. He also urged for a social, economic, and educational survey to be conducted.
"We have no issue with any such census or survey that gives a better understanding of society. But as we have seen in Bihar, merely conducting caste surveys will not improve the situation unless the government works on its outcomes," Kishor said.
The Congress National President further emphasized that in the absence of caste census, the implementation of meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes is incomplete.