Episode 291: The Caste Census in India - Implications for Political Representation, Electoral Politics and Social Justice

On 30 April 2025, Government of India has announced that the 2026 nationwide census will include caste data for the first time in over a century. This decision comes amid significant political shifts following the 2024 general elections, where caste-based mobilisation played a pivotal role. In this episode, Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst at ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Rahul Verma, Academic Visitor at ISAS. They unpack the political, social, and legal implications of the caste census, discuss its role in the opposition parties’ evolving strategy, and explore the potential impact on electoral coalitions, sub-categorisation of quotas, and the future of reservations in India.