Caste column in census needed for justice, says Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday demanded that the forthcoming census include a separate column detailing caste , including those belonging to backward classes, Dalits and tribal communities , asserting that such data is essential to ensure justice, rights and respect for all sections of society.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Kannauj , the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said a caste-based census would reveal the actual population of each caste and enable equitable policy planning and distribution of benefits . His remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over the inclusion and scope of caste enumeration in the national census, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of ambiguity, while the government has maintained that caste data will be collected.

Yadav also demanded that the census record the reasons for deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic , alleging that many deaths occurred after people took vaccines. His comments add to sustained political criticism by opposition leaders over the handling of the pandemic and the transparency of official data, including allegations of underreporting and lack of accountability.

According to a statement issued by the Samajwadi Party , Yadav said development of Kannauj would lead to economic and social progress for its people. “If Kannauj develops, the people here will also develop. As development increases, people’s respect will grow,” he said.

He accused the BJP-led state government of dismantling development initiatives launched by his party in Kannauj, alleging that several projects were halted and no new schemes were introduced. Yadav claimed that facilities at the Kannauj Medical College had deteriorated due to inadequate budgetary support and said work on the paramedical college remained incomplete.

Replying to a question, Yadav accused the BJP of insulting Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand , alleging that he was not allowed to take a ceremonial bath . “The chief minister calls himself a Yogi, yet Shankaracharya ji was stopped. The BJP is insulting all sections of society and indulging in politics of hate , from the North to the Northeast,” he said.

The SP president said people were suffering due to inflation, unemployment and corruption , and asserted that his party’s main objective in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections would be to remove the BJP from power.

Yadav also called for safer air travel , induction of new aircraft and proper maintenance of existing planes . He supported West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s demand for an inquiry into the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, questioning how the accident occurred despite clear visibility and claims that the aircraft was in good condition. “This is a matter for investigation,” he said.