Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has acknowledged that the failure to conduct a caste census during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's tenure was a mistake. Speaking at the OBC 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan' in Delhi, Gandhi admitted shortcomings in addressing Other Backward Classes (OBC) issues during his past tenure. He stated that he is now committed to rectifying this by advocating for and implementing a comprehensive caste-based census.

Gandhi reflected on his 21 years in politics, noting his work with Dalits, tribals, and women, but conceded he "faltered" on OBC issues because he didn't deeply understand their challenges at the time. He admitted that it is easier to comprehend the challenges faced by Dalits and tribals because of their history, but those of OBCs are "hidden". He expressed regret that he didn't get the caste census done, saying that he is going to correct the mistake now.

Gandhi emphasized the importance of including marginalized groups, who constitute 90% of India's population, in crucial decision-making processes like the Union Budget. He said that these groups are the nation's productive force but are denied a fair share. He sees the caste-based census as a promise of initiating change for greater respect and inclusion.

Rahul Gandhi also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "is only a show" and that the "real problem in today's politics" is that people belonging to backward communities are not realizing their collective strength. He alleged that the OBCs were not given a chance to learn their history because the RSS and its "Manuvadi" politics oppressed it. He also accused BJP leaders of opposing English teaching while making their own children study in English-medium schools.

Gandhi pointed to the caste census conducted by the Congress-ruled Telangana as a model in social data collection, which he dubbed as a "political earthquake". He also exhorted the backwards to take the reins of the Congress.

The BJP has rejected Rahul Gandhi's statement, with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stating that it is a "camouflage" and that the "real problem is Congress leadership's DNA". Pradhan accused the Congress of being anti-quota for generations and of making false claims about vacant reserved posts for SCs/STs and OBCs in central universities.