New Delhi – In a politically charged atmosphere, the Congress party has escalated its attack on the central government, sharply criticizing both its handling of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the contentious caste enumeration announcement. During the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Friday, the party launched a dual-front offensive, pressing for accountability in national security while raising questions on domestic equity.
Congress questions caste census timing as a central theme in its latest strategy to hold the government accountable on national issues, especially when the country is still reeling from the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead.
Congress Seeks Accountability for Pahalgam Tragedy
The CWC unanimously adopted a resolution demanding justice and transparency after the Pahalgam terror strike. Emphasizing the need for a unified national stand, the resolution stated, “This is a time for demonstrating our collective will as a nation to teach Pakistan a lesson and curb terrorism decisively.”
While the party expressed solidarity with the nation, it raised pressing concerns about the absence of a clear governmental response. “Those who have died, when will they get justice? Who is responsible?” asked senior leader Bhupesh Baghel. The party’s top leadership expressed that more than ten days after the incident, the silence from the Centre was “inexplicable.”
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Congress Questions Caste Census Timing Amid National Mourning
The second major point of contention raised at the meeting was the recent announcement of a caste enumeration exercise. Congress questions caste census timing as inappropriate and politically motivated, given the nation was mourning a major terror incident.
The party passed a separate resolution on this issue, emphasizing the need for a detailed and inclusive caste census, not a hurriedly announced process designed to divert public attention. According to the Congress leadership, the Telangana model, which asked 56 socio-economic questions, should be emulated. Yet, the party’s strongest message remained tied to timing.
Congress questions caste census timing repeatedly throughout its resolution, labeling the move as a political deflection rather than a sincere step toward social justice.
Rahul Gandhi: Long-Term Focus Needed
During internal deliberations, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stressed the need for long-term commitment to key issues. “We cannot afford to drop subjects within months,” he reportedly said, highlighting the need for sustained political narratives. Congress questions caste census timing was cited as a campaign the party must continue consistently to keep the pressure on the ruling BJP.
Congress insiders confirmed that the leadership feels strongly that Congress questions caste census timing should evolve into a nationwide campaign to inform citizens of what they called “political misdirection during national grief.”
Security Failures in a Sensitive Region
Congress leaders further underlined that the Pahalgam region is one of the most heavily guarded zones in the country, raising questions on how such a catastrophic breach occurred. Congress questions caste census timing in conjunction with its national security concerns, suggesting the government’s announcement was designed to mask its failure to protect citizens.
In the words of a senior CWC member, “If you’re launching a caste census when the country is burying its dead, it speaks volumes of your priorities. Congress questions caste census timing not just for its insensitivity, but also for its strategic opportunism.”
BJP Responds: Defends Caste Enumeration and Security Handling
The BJP, for its part, slammed Congress for what it called “political opportunism during national tragedy.” Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi defended the government’s restraint and strategic discretion in responding to the terror attack, accusing the Congress of undermining national unity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah pushed back on the criticism, stating, “Our caste enumeration reflects long-term structural planning, not momentary distraction.” However, Congress questions caste census timing consistently, citing the lack of transparency and absence of any socio-economic context in the central government’s plan.
Global Reaction and Domestic Implications
As global powers, including the United States, call for restraint in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, domestic scrutiny grows. International observers, including U.S. Vice President Vance, have expressed concern about any military escalation. Against this tense backdrop, Congress questions caste census timing, asserting it shows poor governance priorities.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reportedly raised the issue of semantics in the original Pahalgam resolution, asking that the word “inquiry” be removed so as not to echo Pakistan’s narrative. The final resolution now demands “time-bound accountability,” reinforcing the seriousness of the Congress stance.
Simultaneously, Congress questions caste census timing by pointing out the pattern in BJP’s announcements during national crises.
Sustained Strategy and Long-Term Narrative
This renewed assertiveness by the Congress comes as part of a broader strategy to maintain consistent pressure on the ruling party. As one party source put it, “It’s no longer enough to oppose individual decisions. We need to link issues, expose patterns. That’s why Congress questions caste census timing alongside its call for national security reform.”
Rahul Gandhi’s plan to pursue a sustained campaign on caste census mirrors his earlier Bharat Jodo Yatra approach—long-term, on-ground, and emotionally resonant. According to the Congress, Congress questions caste census timing not to oppose caste data itself but to expose what it views as political gimmickry.
Double-Barreled Pressure on the Government
The twin resolutions passed by the CWC show a clear strategic shift: linking national security concerns with governance failures and social justice mismanagement. Congress questions caste census timing to highlight this intersection of domestic politics and foreign policy vulnerabilities.
According to Congress leaders, the current political moment represents a litmus test for both governance accountability and social justice clarity. By stating that Congress questions caste census timing, the opposition party sends a message that neither emotion nor electoral arithmetic should drive policymaking during national tragedies.
Final Word: Holding the Government to Account
As India navigates grief and geopolitical tension, Congress questions caste census timing not in isolation, but as part of a broader critique of government priorities. The Pahalgam attack, with its unanswered questions, has intensified scrutiny on national security protocols, even as the caste census announcement opens a new front in India’s political battleground.
In the coming weeks, expect Congress to continue using the phrase Congress questions caste census timing across speeches, campaigns, and parliamentary debates as it seeks to hold the government accountable on both human and constitutional grounds.
