In the heart of Chhattisgarh, the Congress is making waves with its commitment to a nationwide caste census. The Sahus, the largest Other Backward Classes (OBC) group in the state, comprising 14% of the population, find themselves at the center of this electoral narrative.
As the state gears up for the assembly polls, conversations around the caste survey are percolating through villages like Tundri. Here, the Congress aims to solidify its appeal by championing the cause of OBCs and emphasizing the potential benefits of a comprehensive caste census.
The Sahus, traditionally a BJP supporting community for 15 years, shifted allegiance to the Congress in 2018, contributing significantly to the party’s victory. This election, the BJP is intensifying efforts to regain Sahu support, setting the stage for a fierce electoral battle.
While some acknowledge the potential benefits of the caste census, others express concerns about its divisiveness. The lack of a historical OBC movement in Chhattisgarh adds complexity to the equation, with voters traditionally prioritizing livelihood and economic concerns over caste identities.
As the Congress persists in positioning the caste census as a national priority, the BJP counters, emphasizing corruption as the primary issue and warning against societal divisions.
In this complex landscape, the ground level confusion and varied responses highlight the challenges and opportunities that the Congress’s caste census push presents in the electoral dynamics of Chhattisgarh.