Annamalai Calls DMK As ‘Abode For Double Standards’ After CM Stalin Writes Letter To PM Modi To Integrate Caste Census In Decadal Census

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K Annamalai today (21 October) called the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as an “abode for double standards” after Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to integrate the caste census with the national decadal census.

Some of the points made by CM Stalin in his letter were as follows-

➤ “Census data has always provided the bedrock for framing policies and targeting specific interventions for the socio-economic development of the underprivileged.

➤ “Since caste has historically been a key determinant of the prospects of social progress in our society, it is essential that factual data on it is made available in the public domain.

➤ “No contemporary data is available since the last caste census was conducted in India only in 1931.

➤ “In the last 90 years, the demographic and socio-economic landscape of our country has undergone many changes, but the underprivileged sections of our society continue to remain backward.

➤ “Hence it is vital that contemporary data derived from a common standard process at the national level is cumulated to address all the pressing issues related to social justice, equity, and inclusivity.

➤ “Some state governments like Bihar have made good attempts in this direction by successfully conducting caste-based surveys. But they lack the advantage of nationwide comparability of inputs and processes.

➤ “Only a statutory Census of India, with critical caste-related data inputs, would be able to provide an appropriate platform for upholding social justice.

➤ “Integrating the caste census with the proposed national decadal census alone can provide comprehensive and reliable data on the caste composition of our society and its reflection on the socio-economic indicators.

➤ "This will enable evidence-based policymaking, helping all of us to ensure an equitable and inclusive development.”

In a post on X, (formerly Twitter), Annamalai wrote, “Abode for double standards, the DMK has woken up today asking for the caste census to be carried out by the Central Government and has to be reminded of the following. 

“1. After DMK came to power in May 2021, it denied an extension of 6 months to the Kulasekaran Commission formed by the previous government for conducting a Caste survey in Tamil Nadu. What stopped DMK from granting a 6-month extension, knowing the commission was already halfway through? 

“2. The DMK, an alliance partner of the Congress in the UPA government till the end of its tenure, did nothing to release the Socio-economic caste census of 2011. DMK is duty-bound to answer the people of TN before making frivolous requests to the Central government.”