The Congress party's OBC (Other Backward Classes) panel is strongly advocating for a nationwide caste census, drawing inspiration from the Telangana state's caste survey model. This was a key focus of the AICC OBC Advisory Council meeting held in Bengaluru, under the leadership of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the "Bengaluru Declaration," which outlines the council's resolutions and demands.

The primary resolution passed was a demand for a comprehensive national-level caste census conducted by the Census Commission of India. The council emphasized that the census should encompass social, economic, educational, employment, and political aspects of each individual and caste. The Telangana State's Socio Economic and Educational Survey (SEEEP) was highlighted as a model for this nationwide endeavor, with its success in covering 96% of the state's population.

Another significant resolution was the demand to remove the 50% cap on reservations to ensure suitable representation for OBCs in education, services, political spheres, and other areas. Additionally, the council advocated for reservations in private educational institutions, aligning with Article 15(5) of the Constitution.

The Congress party views the Centre's decision to conduct a caste survey as a step in ensuring social justice. The OBC Advisory Council is planning an vigorous nationwide campaign demanding a caste census. As part of this campaign, the "Congress OBC Leadership Bhagidari Nyaya Sammelan" is scheduled to take place on July 25, 2025, in New Delhi, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurating the event and Rahul Gandhi delivering the concluding address. Regular workshops on the OBC issue, including the caste census, will also be conducted in every state capital with the participation of party OBC leaders.

Several Congress leaders have voiced their support for the caste census and have criticized the BJP's stance on social justice and reservation. They argue that the BJP has historically opposed initiatives aimed at empowering backward classes. Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot claimed that the Modi government announced the caste census due to pressure from Rahul Gandhi's campaign.

The Congress party aims to position itself as a champion of OBCs and other marginalized communities, potentially influencing outcomes in future elections. Analysts suggest that this strategy is designed to counter the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, based on the assumption that there has been a shift in the country towards backward classes.