CWC Demands Accountability Over Pahalgam Attack, Seeks Roadmap for Caste Census Implementation

 New Delhi — Expressing deep concern over what it termed “serious lapses” in security following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Friday passed a resolution demanding accountability from the Centre. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, primarily tourists, occurred in one of the most fortified regions in the country, raising critical questions about intelligence and operational preparedness.

The resolution, passed more than a week after the tragedy, criticized the government for its silence and inaction, calling for greater transparency and a coordinated strategy to address cross-border terrorism. “The entire country awaits accountability, answers, and justice,” the resolution stated, while reaffirming the party’s solidarity with the nation during this period of mourning.

Top Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Bhupesh Baghel, reportedly expressed dismay at the lack of communication from the Union government to the Opposition in the immediate aftermath of the attack. According to sources, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra insisted on the inclusion of the term “accountability” in the final draft, underscoring the party’s intent to hold the government to higher standards without politicizing a national crisis.

Balancing its message of unity with calls for responsibility, the CWC emphasized that “this is not a time for politics but a moment that calls for unity, strength, and national resolve.” However, the party remains cautious not to alienate public sentiment on matters of national security, given its past challenges with perceptions around the surgical strikes and statements from leaders like former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, which have reignited old controversies.

Focus Shifts to Caste Census: Call for Clarity and Commitment

In a second resolution, the CWC turned its focus to the Modi government’s recent announcement regarding caste-based enumeration in the next national census. Calling the decision a belated but welcome shift, the Congress credited its own long-standing campaign—spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi—for pushing the issue onto the national agenda.

“After 11 years of resistance, the government has finally accepted the Congress’ demand to collect caste-wise data,” the resolution read. However, the party criticized the announcement for lacking specificity on funding, methodology, and timelines. Rahul Gandhi, speaking at the meeting, drew parallels with the Women’s Reservation Bill—passed but left unimplemented—and urged the Centre to avoid repeating that pattern.

The Congress urged the Union government to:

• Provide a clear timeline for each phase of the caste census, from questionnaire design to the final release of data.

• Remove the 50% cap on reservations, describing it as an arbitrary ceiling that undermines equitable representation.

• Implement Article 15(5) of the Constitution to extend reservation in private educational institutions to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

• Adopt the Telangana model, which was praised for its inclusive approach involving civil society, community leaders, and academic experts.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy welcomed the CWC’s endorsement of his state’s efforts, stating that the recognition of Telangana’s caste census was “a matter of pride” and indicative of the potential for progressive policy innovation.

The Congress further announced plans to initiate nationwide campaigns to mobilize public support for increasing the reservation ceiling, positioning it as a cornerstone of the party’s vision for social justice. “Caste-based data is essential for designing inclusive and evidence-driven policies across welfare, education, and employment sectors,” the resolution said, reiterating the Congress’ commitment to affirmative action and social equity.

Rahul Gandhi was credited as the party’s “strongest and most consistent voice” on the need for a caste census, with the leadership emphasizing that the issue is central to both the party’s manifesto and its broader political philosophy.