http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/rss-cracks-whip-bjp-rethink-over-caste-census-42603
After RSS' stand on caste census, BJP a divided house
NDTV Correspondent , Updated: August 07, 2010 09:24 IST
New Delhi: The BJP is dilly-dallying in its stand on the caste census
issue. After first saying yes, it now sounds ambiguous.
During the budget session of Parliament the party had said yes and now
by backtracking, it has compounded the confusion over the entire
matter.
On May 10, while the budget session was on in the Lok Sabha, Gopinath
Munde, Deputy Leader of the Opposition had said, "What's the harm of
the government... if the Prime Minister goes back on his word; he will
let the backwards down."
It is said that the reason behind this sudden thinking wave is the
RSS. The RSS is said to have cracked the whip on the party and said no
to caste census. Since then, the BJP is divided between the OBC
leaders and the rest who were worried that the caste census will raise
fresh caste aspirations.
The fear of a fragmented Hindu society and poorly evolved backward
leadership is why the BJP doesn't want to say yes. But after an-all
party meeting Pranab Mukherjee had asked the BJP to clarify its stand.
However, instead of clarity the party chose ambiguity.
Ananth Kumar, BJP General Secretary, says "The Congress is waiting.
The UPA is waiting. Why do they want the BJP to give its opinion and
then form their stand?"
But the UPA and the government are no better.
In the budget session Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh demanded a
caste census.
Facing the Opposition's cut motions the government gave in.
A Group of Ministers was set up. But the voices of dissent are still
alive. Some in the government are saying no to caste census,
halfheartedly, only to save the integrity of the census. But most of
the party men and allies are saying yes.
Digvijaya Singh, General Secretary, Congress, "Caste is a reality in
India which has been accepted by all political parties and also the
Indian Constitution."
Ramvilas Paswan, LJP President, "We want that the decision should be
taken fast."
Lalu Yadav, RJD President "Whatever needs to be done should be done fast."
It appears that consensus is necessary. But with the big two of Indian
politics taking an ambiguous stand, chances of a quick consensus on
caste census have receded.
Story first published: August 07, 2010 08:12 IST
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