Cong to train cadre to win credit war on caste census

The Congress is not going to cede its political turf to BJP easily after the government announced caste census enumeration — which has been the political plank for the party for decades, as it has decided to impart detailed training on the issue to its cadre across the country. 

In this context the party has decided to intensify its efforts to press the government for holding the caste census forthwith. The party in this direction is going to train its cadre about the nuances of the caste census particularly its PCC spokespersons across the states, a source said. 

“The party will be holding training programme for PCC spokespersons from across the states on Monday. Our communications head and in charge Jairam Ramesh along with senior leader Pawan Khera is going to hold a workshop at the Indira Gandhi Bhavan in Delhi," sources said.

“Primarily, we don’t want BJP to take credit for caste census. It is essential to make masses aware that the saffron party has been against the caste census. Now they have suddenly announced it," said a senior party leader. 

Besides, the party insiders said the top brass has already made it clear the voice has to be amplified to make government hold the caste census. “It is important to build pressure on government else it will remain just an announcement. It shouldn’t meet the fate of women’s reservation Bill," said another Congress leader. 

The grand-old-party has already termed caste enumeration as the Congress’ “vision” and credited Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LOP) Rahul Gandhi for the government’s move. Besides, the party has demanded deadline for the completion of caste census, adequate budgetary allocation and inclusion of Article 15(5) besides reservation cap removal of 50 per cent.

India