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The issue of caste census has sparked a heated political battle in Bihar, pitting the ruling BJP against the opposition RJD. The controversy began with a provocative statement by RJD president Lalu Prasad, who threatened to force the BJP to conduct a caste census. Prasad's remarks, made on social media, sparked outrage within the BJP, with leaders accusing him of using “goon language” and vowing to respond decisively in the upcoming state assembly elections.
The RJD, in defense of its leader, asserted that the BJP's opposition to a caste census stems from their staunch opposition to reservations. The party's spokesperson Tejashwi Yadav claimed that the BJP and RSS, its ideological parent, are against reservation policies, which they see as a threat to their social and political agenda. However, the BJP refuted this claim, stating that they supported a caste survey conducted in Bihar earlier and questioned why the RJD wasn't pressuring Congress-ruled states to conduct similar surveys.
The debate over the caste census in India is deeply rooted in the country’s social and political fabric. Proponents of a nationwide census argue that it is essential to understand the socio-economic realities of different caste groups, which can then be used to design effective welfare schemes and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Opponents argue that such a census could exacerbate social divisions and lead to political manipulation of caste identities. The BJP's stance against a caste census, however, is widely perceived as an attempt to appease upper caste communities and retain their political support. The upcoming elections in Bihar will undoubtedly be a critical battleground in this ongoing political struggle over the issue of caste.
This latest flare-up highlights the deep divisions and tensions that exist within Indian society on matters of caste and reservation. The RJD and BJP, representing distinct political ideologies and constituencies, have taken opposing stances on this issue, further deepening the existing fault lines. It remains to be seen how the caste census debate will unfold in the coming months and its impact on the political landscape in Bihar and beyond.
Source: "Goon Language": BJP After Lalu Yadav Remarks On Caste Census Spark Row