Mumbai: Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Thursday demanded that the Union government immediately begin the caste-based census process in 2025 instead of postponing it to 2027, as recently announced. His remarks come a day after the Centre declared that the national caste census would commence in 2027, except in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, where it will begin a year earlier due to "practical reasons."
Wadettiwar pointed out that senior Congress leader and opposition leader in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, had consistently advocated for a caste-based census, a demand that was ultimately accepted by the BJP-led central government. However, Wadettiwar criticized the timeline, suggesting it was politically motivated.
“If the government truly intends to conduct a caste-based census, it should start the process this year, not wait until 2027. The BJP seeks OBC votes during elections but continues to ignore their real concerns. This is another election gimmick with 2029 in mind,” Wadettiwar stated.
Criticism of Land Allocation to Adani Group
Wadettiwar also took sharp aim at the Maharashtra state government over its decision to allot 21 acres of land in Kurla—previously owned by Mother Dairy—for the Dharavi redevelopment project. The land has reportedly been handed over to the Adani Group, the main contractor for the Dharavi project.
“The state government has relaxed several terms and conditions to facilitate this transfer. Numerous prime land parcels across Mumbai are being gifted to this group. How much more land will be handed over? Has the state mortgaged Maharashtra and Mumbai to the Adani Group?” Wadettiwar questioned angrily.
He further alleged that the Dharavi redevelopment project is being used as a façade to transfer high-value real estate to corporate interests. “The government is claiming these lands are for rehabilitating Dharavi residents, but the reality is that luxury towers will rise on these plots while the locals get nothing. This is a betrayal. The government is destroying Maharashtra for the benefit of the Adani Group,” he charged.
