New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) made it clear on Thursday that it does not oppose a caste census, offering a clarification following recent conflicting statements from its functionaries regarding the necessity of such an exercise.
The clarification from RSS, the parent organisation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), comes after Shridhar Gadge, a senior office-bearer from the Vidarbha region in eastern Maharashtra, questioned the purpose of a caste census. Gadge had voiced concerns that while the exercise might serve certain individuals politically, it could potentially undermine national unity.
Contrasting Gadge's remarks, Sunil Ambekar, the head of publicity for the organisation, conveyed through a social media post that the RSS does not oppose a caste-based survey outright. Ambekar stressed the importance of utilising a caste census for societal development while cautioning that all involved parties should ensure it does not disrupt social harmony and unity.
Acknowledging historical disparities that have marginalised various societal segments economically, socially, and educationally, Ambekar highlighted the RSS's consistent support for government initiatives aiming at the upliftment of such sections.
The call for a nationwide caste census has been advocated by several Opposition parties, including the Congress, Janata Dal (United), and Samajwadi Party. They contend that such an exercise would aid in more effectively planning welfare measures.
This demand gained momentum after the Bihar government disclosed the outcomes of a caste survey initiated in January. The findings revealed that the Extremely Backward Classes constitute 36% of the state's population, while the Other Backward Class accounts for 27.13%.
Following Gadge's stance against the caste census, Congress criticised the RSS and BJP, alleging their reluctance to ensure the rights of Dalits and backward classes.
The Congress pointed out the absence of any RSS president from the Dalit or backward classes in the organisation's history, attributing it to what they termed as a regressive mindset.