New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday backed the caste census but alerted that it should be handled with seriousness as it’s a sensitive issue.
Speaking on the issue, RSS chief spokesperson Sunil Ambekar said it should not merely be used for elections or politics.
“In our Hindu society we have the sensitive issue of our caste and caste relations. Of course, it is a is an important issue of our national unity and integrity. It should be dealt very seriously, not on the basis of electioneering or election practices or politics,” Ambedkar remarked.
Ambedkar spelt out RSS’ views.
“RSS is of the opinion that for all welfare activities, particularly when addressing a specific community or caste that requires special attention, the government needs numbers. It’s a well-established practice and can be implemented again,” he observed.
The Nitish Kumar-headed Bihar government released the report of a caste survey last year which revealed that OBCs, EBCs, SCs and STs constitute 84% of the state’s population.
Politicians from different parties have since been demanding caste census in other states too.
Congress has been particularly vocal, having promised a caste census in its 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto.
The BJP is not against caste census but feels that the Congress wants to carry out the exercise to divide society, according to JP Nadda.
The Narendra Modi government’s focus was on empowerment of ‘GYAN’ or Garib, Yuva, Annadata-Kisan and Narishakti (poor, youth, farmers and women), whose progress is key for the development of the nation, Nadda asserted.
“We are not against conducting caste census, but Congress wants to carry out the exercise to divide people. The opposition parties are in disarray as PM Modi has changed the way politics is being done in the country. Earlier, it was based on caste, religion, region etc. The Congress pitted brother against brother,” the BJP president said a few months ago, during the run-in to the Lok Sabha elections.
