Kerala: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) signaled its support for the caste census on Monday, at a press meeting on the last day of the RSS Kerala meeting. However, the RSS outlined that the census should not be exploited for political gain and must aim at welfare purposes only.
This stance highlights the Opposition’s strategy of adopting the census to question the Bharatiya Janata Party’s negligence towards the matter. In the past, the BJP has failed to publicly back the caste census, however, RSS’s stance aims to separate welfare goals from political exploitation. It also asserted that any action towards sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes should proceed with the consensus of the communities.
RSS Leader Sunil Ambedkar Cautions Against Political Exploitation
Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambedkar called for responsible handling of caste and caste relations. He stated, “caste data collection should be used solely for prioritizing the welfare of concerned communities over electoral gains.” Ambekar also proposed that changes in sub-categorization and creamy layer within quotas for SC/ST must comply with the consensus of the concerned communities.
#WATCH | Palakkad, Kerala: On caste-based census, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar says, “In our Hindu society, we have a sensitive issue of our caste and caste relations… It is an important issue of our national unity and integrity so… pic.twitter.com/cJDkAe4Vg4
— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2024
BJP Faces Pressure As RSS And Opposition Backs Caste Census
BJP’s attempt to unify Hindu voters suffered a major blow in the recent Lok Sabha elections, with the Opposition securing a chance to target the Modi Government. It has previously criticized the ‘caste census’ initiative as Congress’s attempt to divide the ‘Hindu’ society. The move was however not openly opposed by the BJP.
RSS’s support for the caste census is noteworthy as it places the ruling NDA Government under pressure to implement it. The initiative is not just supported by the Opposition, particularly Rahul Gandhi and its allies but also by the JD(U) and the Lok Janshakti Party. Ambekar’s views are noteworthy as the BJP, aligned with the RSS, has not publicly committed to the caste census.
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