New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): BJP leader Amit Malviya on Wednesday criticised Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for trying to take credit for the central government's decision to include caste in the upcoming census.

In a post on X, Malviya said, 'Rahul Gandhi must stop taking credit for the government's decision on the caste census. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already indicated on September 18, 2024, that the announcement was forthcoming.'

He also criticised the Congress party for failing to release caste data during its previous term in government.

'In 2011, the Congress-led UPA government initiated the Socio-Economic and Caste Census, which included a caste component--the first such attempt since 1931. However, the Congress failed to release the caste data, citing inconsistencies and classification issues,' Malviya said.

'It is the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who truly uphold the mantle of social justice, and this move is a step in the right direction,' he added.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi welcomed the government's move, saying the Congress supports the decision but demanded a clear timeline.

Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi said Telangana had set an example with its caste census and could serve as a national model.

'We had said in the Parliament that we will make the Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50% cap, the artificial wall that is in place. Narendra Modi used to say that there are just four castes. Don't know what happened, but suddenly after 11 years, Caste Census has been announced,' he said.

'We completely support it, but we want a timeline. We want to know when this will happen. This is the first step. Telangana has become a model for the Caste Census, and it can serve as a blueprint. We offer our support to the government in designing the Caste Census... There are two examples -- Bihar's and Telangana's, and there is a vast difference between the two,' Gandhi added.

He also said the caste census should lead to a new development model focused on social justice.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided on caste enumeration on Wednesday.

Briefing the media, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the move showed the government's commitment to social and national interests. (ANI)