NEW DELHI: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday extended support to the caste census, but with a caution that the practice should not be “politically motivated”.
The RSS, which is the ruling BJP‘s ideological fountainhead, has supported the caste census at a time when the opposition, particularly the INDIA bloc, has relentlessly been demanding the counting of castes.
“As RSS…we have already commented on the issue. As Hindu society…we have a sensitive issue of caste and caste relations. Off course it’s an important issue of our national unity and integrity. So it should be dealt with very seriously and not just on the basis of election practices or politics,” said Sunil Ambekar, chief spokesperson of the RSS.
He further said: “RSS thinks…yes definitely for all welfare activities, particularly addressing a
particular community or caste which is lagging behind. For which special attention is needed. For that, if some government needs the numbers it is very well practised.”
Ambekar said the caste census should not become a political tool for electioneering and that should only be put to use for the welfare of the communities.
“If the government needs numbers, it takes…earlier also it has taken; no problem. But it should be only to address the welfare of those communities and castes. It should not be used as a political tool for electioneering, so we put a caution line for everyone,” he added.
Reacting to the RSS’s stand on the caste census, the Congress said “complete social justice will be possible only by caste census”.
“Previously: Kangana. Now: RSS. After: Non-biological Prime Minister. Complete social justice will be possible only by caste census and removal of 50% cap on Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC reservations. BJP-RSS is being exposed,” wrote Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.
The RSS, which is the ruling BJP‘s ideological fountainhead, has supported the caste census at a time when the opposition, particularly the INDIA bloc, has relentlessly been demanding the counting of castes.
“As RSS…we have already commented on the issue. As Hindu society…we have a sensitive issue of caste and caste relations. Off course it’s an important issue of our national unity and integrity. So it should be dealt with very seriously and not just on the basis of election practices or politics,” said Sunil Ambekar, chief spokesperson of the RSS.
He further said: “RSS thinks…yes definitely for all welfare activities, particularly addressing a
particular community or caste which is lagging behind. For which special attention is needed. For that, if some government needs the numbers it is very well practised.”
Ambekar said the caste census should not become a political tool for electioneering and that should only be put to use for the welfare of the communities.
“If the government needs numbers, it takes…earlier also it has taken; no problem. But it should be only to address the welfare of those communities and castes. It should not be used as a political tool for electioneering, so we put a caution line for everyone,” he added.
Reacting to the RSS’s stand on the caste census, the Congress said “complete social justice will be possible only by caste census”.
“Previously: Kangana. Now: RSS. After: Non-biological Prime Minister. Complete social justice will be possible only by caste census and removal of 50% cap on Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC reservations. BJP-RSS is being exposed,” wrote Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.
RSS backing to the caste census comes when, Parliament’s Committee on Welfare of OBCs included the caste census on its agenda, following a strong demand from the members that it be discussed by the panel.
The topic was adopted after BJP ally JDU supported the demand raised by DMK and Congress among others.
The committee, headed by senior BJP MP Ganesh Singh, is learnt to have shortlisted caste census, review of the National Commission for Backward Classes, and the performance of Union ministries and departments with regard to OBC welfare, among other issues for deliberations.