New Delhi: Former Bihar chief minister and RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday launched a frontal attack on BJP and its ideological fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the issue of caste-based census in the country. He criticised both the BJP and RSS, over the issue, asserting that he would compel them to carry out a caste census.
‘Will apply pressure on BJP and RSS’
“We will hold these RSS/BJP people by the ears, make them do sit-ups, and ensure the caste census is conducted. What authority do they have to refuse to conduct a caste census? We will apply so much pressure that they will be forced to do it. The time has come for the Dalits, backward classes, tribals, and the poor to unite,” he posted on the social media platform X in Hindi.
Interestingly, his party was part of the ruling Mahagatbandhan in Bihar when the Nitish Kumar-led government conducted the caste census in the state.
RSS’ ‘no objection’ to the exercise
His remarks came a day after the RSS, at the end of its three-day annual meeting, Samanway Baithak, in Kerala’s Palakkad said that it had no objection to the exercise, provided it was not used for political gains. Sunil Ambekar, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, emphasised that caste data for some communities could be collected for their welfare, adding that caste and caste relations are sensitive issues for Hindu society and should be handled very seriously.
“So, as the RSS sees it, yes, definitely, for all welfare activities, addressing particular communities or castes which are lagging behind and therefore require special attention, the government needs the numbers. This has been practised before. So, the government needs numbers, and it collects them. It has done so previously, and it can do so again. No problem. But it should be solely to address the welfare of those communities and castes. It should not be used as a political tool for electioneering. Therefore, we advise everyone to exercise caution,” Ambekar said.
Parliament committee to discuss caste census
Ambekar’s statement is significant in light of opposition parties, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling for a caste census. Even BJP allies like JD(U) have supported the exercise, arguing that it would aid in effective policymaking.
Last week, Parliament’s Committee on the Welfare of OBCs, headed by BJP MP Ganesh Singh, also included the caste census on its agenda. The demand for its discussion came from committee members.