BJP is not opposed to caste census, says Amit Shah

CAA will not take away anyone's citizenship, in the nation. It will, instead, grant citizenship. Indian Muslims need not fear the CAA, Shah noted.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuted allegations against the BJP  that the party was against caste census.

Proving his point, Shah said that 27 ministers in the Union Council of Ministers belong to the Other Backward Classes and PM Modi is also from the OBC community. The Home Minister was speaking at the News18's Rising Bharat Summit.

The statement assumes significance in the backdrop of the demand from Opposition parties for a nationwide caste census. The Congress and regional parties have been accusing the BJP of dragging its feet on the issue.

Elucidating on caste census, he said that BJP is a a national political party and don't intend to engage on politics of votes on this issue. "We will take an appropriate decision after consulting everyone and it will be in India's interest," reiterated Shah.

Opposition parties have made caste census a major poll plank after Nitish Kumar government in Bihar conducted the exercise in his state.

Rahul Gandhi has been speaking on the caste-based census, but the thing about Rahul Gandhi is when someone hands on a chit, he gets stuck on a particular issue, said Shah while replying to a question on Rahul's repeated demand for a nationwide caste census.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been taking potshots at the BJP over the "lack of adequate representation of OBCs" in secretary-level posts at the Centre.