RSS, BJP differ on caste-based census

The BJP might be pushing for a caste-based census but the RSS, from which the party draws its strength, is opposed to it. On Sunday, the RSS demanded that nationality and not caste be the basis of the ongoing national census. HT reports.

The BJP might be pushing for a caste-based census but the RSS, from which the party draws its strength, is opposed to it.

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On Sunday, the RSS demanded that nationality and not caste be the basis of the ongoing national census.

"The RSS is following the principles of late Dalit leader BR Ambedkar. Right from the beginning, the RSS is in favour of a casteless society and any attempt to dilute it will hurt the sentiments of people," RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said in Nagpur.

A caste-based census, he said, would dilute the objective of creating a casteless society.

He also demanded that the government fix the criteria for giving reservations to OBCs but only after consulting social groups and holding a national debate.

Joshi said the ongoing population count should weed out illegal migrants.

"There is no provision for identifying and separating illegal migrants in the country while preparing the National Population Register. This will prove to be a threat to national security and integrity."