Himanta Biswa Sarma: Waiting for Rahul Gandhi's mysterious formula for caste census

In a sharp critique, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 2 questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s approach to the caste census. Sarma remarked, “I am waiting for when Rahul Gandhi will share with the country the mysterious formula through which a caste census can be conducted without asking caste.”

Sarma stated the importance of a caste census, noting its implementation in Bihar and its necessity for the entire country. He stated, “Caste census should happen... it happened in Bihar also... and it will happen in the country... that is a different thing.”

The Chief Minister took aim at Gandhi's reluctance to disclose his own caste, questioning the feasibility of conducting a caste census under such circumstances. “If he is not saying his own caste, how will the caste census happen? He is asking why we are asking his caste... now we are waiting for the day when Rahul Gandhi will share with the country the mysterious formula through which a caste census can be conducted without asking caste,” Sarma said.

This debate follows an earlier incident on July 31, where BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra targeted Rahul Gandhi for his objections to Anurag Thakur's remarks on Gandhi's caste in the Lok Sabha. Patra highlighted that Thakur did not name anyone, yet Gandhi felt offended, leading to uproar among Congress leaders.

Patra criticized Gandhi’s stance, saying, “I find it very surprising that a person can ask anyone's caste. A few days ago, Rahul Gandhi was asking about the castes of journalists. The caste of journalists can be asked. The caste of administrative officers can be asked. The caste of judges can be asked. You can ask all this, but if someone asks you about your caste, then it becomes an insult.”

The Puri MP pointed out Gandhi's past remarks on the caste composition in various institutions, including the judiciary and the army. “Rahul Gandhi asks about the caste of judges, and you ask about the caste of administrative officers and soldiers. You say that India has the right to know which caste has the most representation in the army, and which religion has how much representation in the army. You feel insulted if your caste is asked, but you can ask about the caste of everyone in India,” Patra said.