A caste census has been a part of the opposition’s demand for a number of months (File).
Thiruvananthapuram:
A caste census – a serious election challenge and a repeat demand of the opposition, particularly the Congress-led INDIA bloc, and not less than one of many ruling Bharatiya Janata Occasion’s allies – is a “delicate challenge… to be handled very critically and isn’t for election campaigning”, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the BJP’s ideological mentor, stated at its Kerala convention.
Addressing the media Monday afternoon, on the primary of a three-day coordination assembly in Palakkad district, the RSS threw down a veiled “we draw the road” warning to opposition leaders and events aligned in opposition to the BJP, declaring “… shouldn’t be used as a political software”.
“… now we have already commented… it is a delicate challenge of caste and caste relations and needs to be handled very critically. This isn’t only for election campaigning…” the RSS’ chief spokesperson, Sunil Ambekar, stated.
“In instances the place particular consideration is required the federal government wants the numbers (the variety of males, ladies, and youngsters belonging to a given neighborhood). Then there isn’t any drawback… but it surely needs to be for welfare solely. Shouldn’t be used as a political software. We draw the road there,” Mr Ambekar stated.
Guarantees to carry a nationwide caste census have featured in latest election manifestos and speeches of a number of opposition leaders, together with the Congress’ Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Occasion boss Akhilesh Yadav; final week Mr Gandhi emphasised the significance of such an train and stated it’s a crucial software for efficient policy-making and for an equitable society.
READ | Caste Census Wanted For 90% Out Of System: Rahul Gandhi
“We can not make insurance policies for India’s actuality with no caste census…” he stated, “We wish information… what number of Dalits, OBCs, tribals, ladies, minorities, common caste persons are there?”
Mr Gandhi additionally went head-to-head with BJP MP Anurag Thakur in Parliament on this subject.
In the course of the session in July Mr Gandhi responded sharply to a jibe from the BJP chief, who stated “he whose caste is unknown is speaking a few census?” Rahul Gandhi waved apart the remark, inviting the previous Union Minister to “insult me as a lot as you need”.
READ | “I am going to Preserve Combating”: Rahul Gandhi vs Anurag Thakur On Caste Jab
“… however remember that we (the opposition) will get this invoice handed…” he vowed.
Give attention to a nationwide caste census sharpened in November final yr after Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal (United), then a member of the INDIA bloc – revealed the results of a statewide survey, which underlined the sharp divide in that state; launched shortly earlier than the April-June common election, the outcomes confirmed over 80 per cent of Bihar’s inhabitants are from extraordinarily backward courses.
Talking after that report was launched, the RSS stated it welcomed “any affirmative motion that’s scientific and never performed for electoral advantages… (however) to handle disparity (in a Hindu society)”.
READ | “Welcome Any Scientific Train However…”: RSS’ Cautious Be aware On Caste Census
This was after one among its senior officers – Shridhar Gadge – declared his opposition to a caste census on grounds it could provide political profit to “some folks”, it had no sensible use.
For the reason that Bihar report (and the same train performed in Andhra Pradesh) the Congress, and Mr Gandhi particularly, have pitched ferociously for a nationwide caste depend, arguing it’s crucial to assist refine welfare schemes and determine gaps in equal illustration for all in any respect ranges of governance.
In April BJP chief JP Nadda underlined his celebration’s place on this challenge, declaring it’s “not in opposition to conducting a caste census” however not providing a roadmap for such an train. Mr Nadda did, although, assault the opposition over its demand, declaring they “need to divide the nation”.
READ | “BJP Not In opposition to Caste Census, Congress Desires It To Divide Individuals”: JP Nadda
“Opposition is in disarray as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has modified the best way politics is being finished. Earlier it was primarily based on caste, faith, area… and Congress pitted brother in opposition to brother,” the highest BJP chief, whose celebration had beforehand opposed the train, stated.
Cautious treading on this topic – after the Bihar report Residence Minister Amit Shah additionally stated the celebration had by no means really opposed it – has been necessitated additionally rumbles from inside its ruling alliance.
READ | Caste Census In Highlight With Amit Shah Saying BJP By no means Opposed
Union Minister Chirag Paswan, whose Lok Janshakti Occasion is allied with the BJP, has backed it, as has Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, whose Nationalist Congress Occasion can also be an ally.
Help for a caste census from inside Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JDU additionally seems to be gathering steam; this will probably be key because the JDU and its 12 Lok Sabha MPs is a key ally.
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