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Congress Internal Debate: Anand Sharma Questions Caste Census in Letter to Party President

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An internal rift within the Congress party has surfaced as senior leader Anand Sharma penned a letter to All India Congress Committee (AICC) national president Mallikarjun Kharge, questioning the significance of a 'caste census' in addressing unemployment and social inequalities. Sharma's letter, dated 19th March, raised concerns about the potential consequences of endorsing a caste-based census, citing the legacies of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Sharma argued that while caste remains a reality in Indian society, the Congress party has historically refrained from engaging in identity politics, emphasizing the party's commitment to social justice and inclusive policies. He highlighted past statements by Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, cautioning against the divisive implications of emphasizing caste in political discourse.

In his defense, Sharma pointed out the UPA government's achievements in transformative social policies such as NREGA and right to food security, which lifted millions out of poverty based on economic and social backwardness rather than caste considerations.

However, Sharma's stance was met with dissent within the party, with Congress MP Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain advocating for a caste census to formulate more targeted policies for all sections of society. Hussain emphasized the importance of democracy within the party to discuss and address various issues, including social justice and development across different segments of society.

The internal debate comes against the backdrop of Congress' preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with the party's manifesto draft focusing on comprehensive social security measures, job creation, and women's empowerment. The clash of perspectives within Congress underscores broader discussions within Indian politics regarding the role of caste-based considerations in policymaking and social welfare initiatives.

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