BJP signals it’s open to caste census, keeps eye on Nitish Kumar | India News

NEW DELHI: BJP has signalled that it’s open to the thought of a caste census with out stepping into specifics corresponding to a possible timeline whereas retaining a cautious eye on ally Nitish Kumar’s makes an attempt to boost stakes over OBC politics by calling for a caste rely.
A central theme within the caste census demand is the aspiration of OBC teams, and regional events that draw energy from these sections, for a bigger slice of the quota pie in line with illustration within the inhabitants that exceeds the 27% reservation for backwards. BJP, too, has made a powerful push for the OBC assist that’s seen as essential in delivering two successive majorities in Lok Sabha and a authorities in UP. On the similar time, BJP is required to stability this with the assist it receives from the forwards who’re additionally integral to the occasion’s assist base.

The Centre is unlikely to announce a caste census in a rush. The stalled common census can’t be rejigged at current, given a lot of the method is on-line and altering codes is just not straightforward. In the intervening time, it’s prone to point out that the proposal might be into consideration publish the common census.
The Bihar CM’s transfer to guide a delegation, which included BJP, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to name for a caste census is seen as greater than a political demand. It’s felt the chief is trying to hold BJP off stability by prodding it to take a place on a difficulty the place it must accommodate competing pursuits.

A push for a caste census can hardly be opposed by BJP and this was made plain by its senior chief from Bihar Sushil Modi who mentioned the occasion has no reservations on this rely. However the demand follows Nitish elevating the Pegasus controversy at a time when BJP is locked in a bitter battle with the Opposition over the problem.
BJP leaders have additionally duly famous Kumar’s remarks crediting RJD chief Tejashwi Prasad for the thought of a delegation calling on the PM. The remarks are seen as supposed to unsettle BJP by hinting he might need choices exterior NDA, regardless of JD(U)’s discord with RJD.

The chief minister’s strikes are additionally being learn inside BJP as a fallout of JD(U) being lowered to a really junior companion in final yr’s meeting polls. BJP’s decided push for OBC votes may trigger concern that JD(U) would possibly slip additional in its core constituency ought to the saffron companion acquire on this part.