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Transformative moment in nation’s journey towards equality: Tejashwi Yadav writes to PM on caste Census

New Delhi: RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav has written a letter to PM Narendra Modi, welcoming the decision of the government to include caste data in the national Census. He described the decision as “a transformative moment in the nation’s journey towards equality.” He urged the government to use this data judiciously so that it leads to meaningful policy reforms.

Tejashwi Yadav shares letter on ‘X’

Yadav shared his letter to the PM on his social media handle. Taking to ‘X’ the RJD scion wrote, “My letter to PM Narendra Modi. The decision to conduct the caste census can be a transformative moment in our nation’s journey towards equality. The millions who have struggled for this census await not just data but dignity, not just enumeration but empowerment.”

My letter to PM Sh. @narendramodi Ji. The decision to conduct the caste census can be a transformative moment in our nation’s journey towards equality. The millions who have struggled for this census await not just data but dignity, not just enumeration but empowerment.… pic.twitter.com/t2uszNfjOH — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 3, 2025

Tejashwi Yadav wrote in his letter how the NDA had resisted the demand for a caste census, calling it divisive and unnecessary. He said that the Central government had obstructed efforts by Bihar to carry out caste survey. He alleged that BJP leaders and officials created obstructions in carrying out the survey in the state.

The RJD leader wrote to the PM, “Your belated decision represents an acknowledgement of the groundswell of demands from the citizens who have long been relegated to the margins of our society.”

Tejashwi demands reservation in private sector

The RJD leader also talked about the Bihar caste survey, which threw up data on the caste constitution of the state. It showed that OBCs and EBCs constitute around 63% of the state’s population. The RJD leader said that such a study at the national level will help bust several myths which are perpetuated to maintain the status quo.

He described the caste census as “merely the first step of the long journey towards social justice.” He also called for a thorough review of social protection and reservation policies, once the caste based Census is conducted all over the country. He also wants the government to reconsider the cap on reservations (50%), which he called “arbitrary”.

The RJD leader asked for reservation in the private sector, reservation in contracts, reservation in the judiciary, proportional reservation based on caste census data and full implementation of pending Mandal Commission recommendations. He said that the private sector is a major beneficiary of public resources, it cannot remain insulated from social justice imperatives.

He also talked about the upcoming delimitation exercise and said that the redrawing of constituencies must be sensitive and reflective of the census. He said that adequate representation must be provided to the EBCs and OBCs. He concluded by saying that millions have waited for this Census to earn dignity and empowerment.