The opposition has been demanding a caste census for several months (Dossier).
Thiruvananthapuram:
A caste census — a key election issue and a repeated demand of the opposition, particularly the Congress-led INDIA bloc and at least one of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's allies — is a “sensitive issue… that needs to be taken very seriously and is not meant for election campaigning,” the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the BJP's ideological mentor, said at the conference in Kerala.
The RSS addressed the media on Monday afternoon, during the first of a three-day coordination meeting in Palakkad district, warning opposition leaders and parties that are against the BJP, saying: “We draw the line”. The RSS said: “… it should not be used as a political tool”.
“…we have already commented…this is a sensitive issue of caste and caste relations and needs to be taken very seriously. This is not just for election campaigning…” RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar said.
“In cases where special attention is needed, the government needs the numbers (the number of men, women and children belonging to a particular community). Then there is no problem… but it should be for welfare only. It should not be used as a political tool. That is where we draw the line,” Mr Ambekar said.
Promises to conduct a nationwide caste census have featured in recent election manifestos and speeches by several opposition leaders, including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Last week, Gandhi stressed the importance of such an exercise, saying it is a necessary tool for effective policymaking and a just society.
READ | Caste census needed for 90% outside system: Rahul Gandhi
“We cannot make policies for the reality of India without a caste census…” he said. “We want data… how many Dalits, OBCs, tribals, women, minorities and general castes are there?”
Mr Gandhi also took on BJP MP Anurag Thakur directly in Parliament on the issue.
During the July meeting, Gandhi reacted sharply to a jibe from the BJP leader, who said, “He whose caste is unknown is talking about a census?” Rahul Gandhi brushed off the remark and invited the former minister to “insult me as much as you like”.
READ | 'I will continue to fight': Rahul Gandhi vs Anurag Thakur over caste incident
“…but don't forget that we (the opposition) will make sure that this bill is passed…” he promised.
The emphasis on a national caste census was sharpened in November last year after the ruling Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, then part of the INDIA bloc, released the results of a state-wide survey that highlighted the stark divide in the state. Released shortly before the April-June general election, the results showed that more than 80 percent of Bihar's population belonged to extremely backward classes.
After the report was released, the RSS said it “welcomes any positive action that is scientific and not taken for electoral purposes… (but) to address inequality (in a Hindu society)”.
READ | “Any scientific exercise is welcome, but…”: RSS' cautious note on caste count
This came after one of the top officials, Shridhar Gadge, spoke out against a caste census, saying it might bring political benefits to “some people” but had no practical use.
Since the Bihar report (and a similar exercise in Andhra Pradesh), the Congress, and Mr Gandhi in particular, have been vocal in their support for a national caste census, arguing that it is essential to fine-tune social welfare systems and identify gaps in equal representation of all at all levels of government.
In April, BJP leader JP Nadda underlined his party's stand on the issue, stating that it was “not against conducting a caste census” but did not offer a roadmap for such an exercise. Mr Nadda, however, attacked the opposition over its demand, stating that they “want to divide the country”.
READ | 'BJP not against caste census, Congress wants it to divide people': JP Nadda
“The opposition is in disarray as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the way politics is conducted. Earlier it was based on caste, religion, region… and the Congress pitted brother against brother,” said the BJP senior leader, whose party had earlier opposed the exercise.
There is also rumbling within the ruling alliance: after the Bihar report, Home Minister Amit Shah said the party had never really opposed it. Therefore, caution is advised.
READ | Caste census in spotlight with Amit Shah saying BJP never opposed it
Union Minister Chirag Paswan, whose Lok Janshakti Party is an ally of the BJP, has backed the party, as has Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, whose Nationalist Congress Party is also an ally.
Even within the JDU of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, support for a caste census seems to be growing. This is significant as the JDU and its 12 Lok Sabha MPs are key allies.
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