Tuesday, August, 25,2026

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Caste census questionnaire sparks political showdown: Congress demands revision, BJP cites 'panic' in Opposition ranks

New Delhi : Political row over the national caste census has intensified after Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi wrote a joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking withdrawal of the current questionnaire.

The Opposition has flagged that the questionnaire notified on August 14 uses open-ended caste entries instead of a pre-compiled list, which it says will distort demographic data. The BJP has dismissed the charge as opposition "panic".

In their letter, the Congress leaders said the open-ended format for caste entry, instead of a structured menu, risks data inaccuracy.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted that open-ended fields risk recording identical castes under varying regional spellings, sub-caste names, or local terminology. This could scatter the dataset into thousands of fragmented entries, ultimately undercounting Other Backwards Classes (OBCs) and disadvantaged groups.
"Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and I have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji expressing serious concern over the current process of caste census. It is not possible to accurately count castes through open-ended questions. If the same caste is recorded under different names and sub-castes, the data will be scattered, and the biggest loss will be to OBCs, most backward, and deprived communities," Kharge wrote on X.
They demanded a replacement of the current form with a pre-verified drop-down list of castes, similar to the state-level methodologies used in Bihar and Telangana.

"Our demand is clear - the current questionnaire should be cancelled, a new questionnaire should be prepared based on a verified list of castes, and extensive consultation should be done with political parties, experts, and the public. Like the caste surveys in Telangana and Bihar, conducting the count based on a pre-prepared and verified caste list is a practical solution. The caste census should not only be done, it should also be done correctly," Kharge said.
Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal, criticised the process as a "deception" and noted that the form omits explicit options or terms for backward classes. They called for all-party consultations to restructure the exercise.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also termed the proposed exercise a "deception", arguing that it would not constitute a comprehensive caste census as the questionnaire notified on August 14 contains only one caste-related question among 40 questions.
He demanded that the exercise be scrapped and conducted on the lines of the caste surveys carried out in Bihar and Telangana.
Congress MP KC Venugopal also criticised the proposed questionnaire, saying that an open-ended caste question could undermine the exercise.

"An open-ended question on caste means that the Caste Census is set up to fail. The current census questionnaire does not even have the word 'backward' or 'OBC' for the enumerators to select. Without a list of options for castes, as was done in Telangana and Bihar, a caste census is meaningless," Venugopal wrote on X.
He alleged that the approach reflected the BJP's "insincerity towards social justice" and urged the Prime Minister to make changes to the questionnaire. The BJP, however, hit back at the Congress over its criticism.
The BJP countered the demands, maintaining that the decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census reflects the Modi administration's commitment to social justice.

The Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister stated that the Congress failed to conduct a caste census during its decades in power and argued that its current reaction stems from "panic and consternation" as the Modi government prepares to execute the count.
"The Congress remained in power for such a long time but never conducted a caste census; now, the government led by PM Modi is going to conduct a caste census for the first time. This has caused panic and consternation among the Congress and its allied parties, because under the leadership of PM Modi, everyone is receiving support, development, justice, and due recognition," Maurya said.
UP Minister Sunil Sharma criticised Rahul Gandhi for raising procedural objections while keeping his own background private.
He said, "Rahul Gandhi has never disclosed his own caste to this day, so how would it work? PM Modi is getting it done, but Rahul Gandhi has not revealed what his caste is."
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar dismissed the opposition's claims as mere political rhetoric ahead of upcoming state assembly contests.
"Do not worry about Rahul Gandhi or Akhilesh Yadav; rest assured, the Yogi Adityanath government will be formed again in 2027; there is no disturbance. Let Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav speak; since they are in the opposition, let them have their say," Rajbhar said.

The Opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc, has been demanding a national caste census, arguing that comprehensive caste data is necessary to assess the demographic composition of OBCs and other socially disadvantaged communities and to inform reservations and welfare policies.
The Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national Census has brought the issue back into the political spotlight. However, the Opposition has raised concerns over the use of an open-ended format, arguing that it could result in variations in caste names, spelling differences and duplicate entries.

Bihar and Telangana have previously undertaken state-level caste and socio-economic surveys using structured methodologies. The surveys relied on pre-defined lists of recognised castes and standardised coding systems rather than unrestricted text-based entries, with enumerators collecting demographic and socio-economic information at the household level.
The Congress is now seeking a similar structured approach for the national exercise, while the BJP maintains that the Centre's decision to conduct caste enumeration represents a significant step towards addressing social and developmental concerns.  

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Daily Astro

25-08-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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25-08-2026