Caste census: Why is BJP 'desperately' attempting to shift the narrative

By Sukla Sen 

The BJP has clearly retreated on the topic of a caste census. Its spokesperson now feels compelled to provide a completely unfounded assurance that this government will conduct a caste census during its tenure. It's worth noting that a caste census was already conducted in 2011; it simply needs to be reviewed, ratified, and published.

The credit for this shift belongs largely to Rahul Gandhi, who has shown remarkable perseverance in the face of internal opposition and despite not seeing significant electoral gains. 

In response, the BJP is now desperately attempting to shift the narrative by scrutinizing Rahul Gandhi's caste, thereby implicitly questioning his Hindu identity. This strategy has become their primary attack line. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's open support and active promotion of the "Goli Maaro Saalo Ko" fame Anurag Thakur's inflammatory remarks in the Lok Sabha is a clear indication of this tactic. 

However, the vast majority of Indians are expected to be far more concerned about the caste census and its potential implications than about Rahul Gandhi's background. 

It's important to remember that VP Singh, a well-regarded Thakur, once emerged as a champion for the Mandal castes, at least for a time. 

After a significant period, caste is once again poised to serve as a serious counter to Hindutva -- the strategy of mobilizing a large, undefined mass of Hindus under the banner of "Hindu" while effectively suppressing other identities such as caste, class, gender, and ethnicity. 

This contrasts with the BJP/RSS narrative, which seeks to integrate these identities into a framework of "Hindutva," or Hindu nationalism. 

Thakur's highly publicized attack on Rahul Gandhi, while intended to highlight his own agenda, has ironically strengthened Gandhi's position and efforts over time. It may very well backfire on the BJP.