'Well-established practice': RSS backs nationwide caste census but with a rider

The remarks came on the sidelines of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samnvay Baithak of the RSS being held in Palakkad, Kerala. (Representational Image: PTI)

Stating that a caste-based census can assist the government in welfare schemes aimed at helping the communities who have lagged behind, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday sought to support the idea, albeit with certain riders.

“The RSS thinks that definitely, for all welfare activities, particularly those targeting such communities or castes which are lagging behind – for whom special attention is needed – for that, if sometimes the government needs the numbers, it is a well-established practice. Earlier also, it (the government) has taken (such data), and so it can do it again.

"But it should be done only for the welfare of those communities and castes. It should not be used as a political tool for elections. So, we put this forth with a line of caution for everyone," RSS publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar said addressing the media on the last day of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samnvay Baithak of the RSS being held in Palakkad, Kerala.

The remark comes at a time when the Opposition has sought to corner the government on the demand to hold a nationwide caste-based census. The BJP has been treading cautiously on the matter and has neither supported or objected to the demand.

The calls for a caste count have also risen from within the NDA with BJP's allies like the Janata Dal (United) and the Lok Janshakti Party supporting the idea. In fact, the Bihar government became the first in the country to officially carry out such an exercise and make the data public.

Addressing the media, the RSS leader reasoned that caste relations in India is a sensitive issue and advised dealing with it with the sensitivity it deserves. "It is an important issue for our national unity and integrity. So, it should be dealt with very sensitively and not on the basis of elections or electoral practices and politics,” Ambedkar said.

The RSS’ support to the demand for a caste census, articulated as a welfare measure, assumes significance in view of the BJP’s earlier objection to the demand by terming it as an attempt to “divide Hindus”.

The RSS’ remarks also signify the likely impact of the Lok Sabha election results on the government’s thinking on issues that the Opposition has sought to champion. The Opposition’s message that the BJP could use a brute majority to alter the Constitution and dilute reservations for SCs and STs hit home and resulted in BJP’s lowest tally in three general elections.

Ambedkar also touched upon the issue of sub-categorisation of SCs and STs after the Supreme Court ruled that states had the power to carry out such sub-classification for the purpose of reservations. The RSS leader said that the RSS has always supported Constitutional reservations.

"What was discussed in the Court was a very sensitive issue. A call should be taken by the government and legal authorities. But it should be ensured that all the communities concerned… those enjoying the benefits of reservation… there should be an activity of consensus (building). Before that, no such step should be taken," Ambedkar said.

Notably, the Parliament's Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), headed by senior BJP MP Ganesh Singh, on Thursday agreed to include caste census as a subject for discussion by the panel.

The meeting saw strong demands from members of Opposition parties as well as some NDA partners that the issue be taken up on the panel's agenda for discussion. Among MPs who raised the demand were DMK MP TR Baalu and Congress’s Manickam Tagore. This demand was backed by the Janata Dal (United), an ally of the BJP at the Centre.