Among the Narendra Modi government’s most prominent Other Backward Class (OBC) faces, Dharmendra Pradhan calls himself a strong votary of a caste census, which the Centre announced last month would be conducted along with the next population Census. In an interview with The Indian Express, the Union Minister of Education, whose political career began with the RSS student wing ABVP, speaks about the caste census decision, its timing, and Congress position on the exercise. Excerpts: Social justice is our conviction. It is a natural step forward. Since the days of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the precursor to the BJP), there is clarity on our approach towards social justice. Samajik samarasata (social harmony) is inbuilt in our concept of social justice. From Antyodaya to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, all are part of social justice. Our social justice reflects in every level from public policy to governance… Union Home Minister Amit Shahji has hinted since 2024 that caste would be counted. Now that the Census is going to be done, we have decided to hold …