Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste in the forthcoming census, asserting that the move will truly open the doors to social justice.

Speaking to ANI, Shinde termed the decision a 'historic one.'

'The decision taken by the Prime Minister to conduct a caste census is a very significant one. It is a historic decision, and Shiv Sena welcomes it. This decision will truly open the doors to social justice. It will help bridge the economic, social, and educational disparities. We will gain insight into the true condition of the people. It will become easier to formulate welfare schemes,' he said.

'Since independence, this is the only such major decision, and that is why I welcome it. I thank the Prime Minister because it takes courage to take such bold decisions. This decision is also linked to the future of the country,' Eknath Shinde emphasised.

Earlier in the day, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed the media about the decision, saying the move would strengthen the country's social and economic structure.

'Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country,' he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin linked the Centre's decision to the upcoming Bihar elections.

'The timing is no coincidence. With Social Justice dominating the Bihar Elections narrative, this sudden move reeks of political expediency. The same Prime Minister who once accused opposition parties of dividing people on caste has now yielded to the very demand he maligned repeatedly,' Stalin said.

He emphasised that the caste census is essential and 'not optional.'

'For objective policymaking, targeted welfare, and the pursuit of real social justice. You cannot remedy injustice without first recognising its scale. For the Tamil Nadu Government and DMK, this is a hard-earned victory. We were the first to adopt a resolution in the Legislative Assembly demanding Caste Census. We championed this cause in every forum. We reiterated this demand in every meeting with the Prime Minister and through multiple letters, consistently urging the Union Government to take responsibility,' MK Stalin asserted.

'While others called for state-level caste surveys, we stood firm: Census is a Union subject. Only the Union Government can and should deliver a legally binding caste enumeration under the Census Act. Our stand is now vindicated. Another triumph for DMK and INDIA Bloc in our arduous social justice journey, driven by the ideals of the Dravidian Model,' the Tamil Nadu CM said. (ANI)