NEW DELHI: In what appeared to be a reference to Rahul Gandhi‘s continuing advocacy for a caste census, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday cautioned against efforts to sow divisions in villages, emphasising the need to preserve the identity of villages known for harmony and coexistence. His remarks came amid indications that the Centre might soon decide on conducting the postponed decennial census.
Speaking at the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav in New Delhi, Modi stated, “One more very important thing, the identity of our village is tied to the harmony and love within the village. However, these days, many people want to spread poison in society in the name of caste. They want to weaken our social fabric. We must thwart these conspiracies and keep alive the shared heritage and culture of our villages and strengthen it.”
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, themed “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2024”.
The Prime Minister’s remarks reflected his ongoing narrative around social cohesion and the avoidance of divisive politics, particularly in the context of rural India.
Modi’s caution against “spreading poison in society in the name of caste” can be seen as part of his broader political strategy to appeal to a unified Hindu identity rather than splintering it with caste-based discussions.
He has previously highlighted Congress’ selective focus on caste within Hindu society while largely ignoring similar issues within the Muslim community.
During Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls, the Prime Minister had cornered the Congress saying that there are many castes in Islam as well, but this is seldom discussed by the political ecosystem, which he accuses of wanting to create rifts among Hindus.
