Sangh states such data “should not be used as a political tool” during a press conference held on the final day of the RSS Kerala meeting. In regards to the SC/ST sub-quota, calls for
During a period when the caste census has become a major issue for the opposition, the RSS Monday expressed support for the same, emphasizing that it shouldn’t be used for political or electoral purposes.
It further stated that communities should not agree to any action that could lead to the subclassification of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Political parties have been reluctant to take a stance on the matter because SC/ST groups oppose it. The BJP is one such party.
“The RSS believes that definitely, for all welfare activities, particularly those targeting such communities or castes which are lagging behind – for whom special attention is needed – for that, if sometimes the government needs the numbers, it is a well-established practice,” said RSS publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar during a press conference. Additionally, the government has previously obtained (such data), so it is able to do so once more. However, it should only be carried out for the benefit of those castes and communities. It is not appropriate to use it as an electioneering political tool. Thus, we present this with a warning to all parties involved.
On the final day of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samnvay Baithak of the RSS, which was taking place in Palakkad, Kerala, Ambekar was speaking with the media.
“Caste and caste relations are delicate topics in Hindu society. It’s a crucial matter for maintaining the integrity and unity of our country. Thus, it ought to be handled with extreme caution and not in light of elections, political processes, or other electoral-related factors, he stated.
Demands for a caste census have been made of the BJP-led NDA government by the Opposition, especially Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, as well as by allies within the party, including the JD(U) and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). In Bihar, a caste survey was carried out by the JD(U)-led government last year.
The BJP hasn’t publicly opposed the call for a caste census, but it hasn’t committed to anything either.
The BJP has previously denounced the caste census as an attempt by the Congress to “divide the Hindu society,” contrasting it with its own initiatives to “consolidate the Hindus” under Narendra Modi’s leadership. This makes the RSS’s implied support for the census noteworthy.
However, the Opposition’s message that a big-majority Modi government could change the Constitution and reservations, weaning away the SC/ST vote, hurt the BJP project in the most recent Lok Sabha polls.
The way the RSS presented the caste census as a welfare measure now provides a means for the Modi administration to find a compromise and win over the various communities that make up the Hindu community.
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling that states had the authority to subclassify SC/STs for the purpose of making reservations, Ambekar stated, “We believe that Constitutional reservation is very important.” The RSS has consistently backed it. It was a very delicate matter that was discussed in court. The police and the government ought to make a call. However, it must be made sure that all impacted communities—those who benefit from reservations—engage in consensus-building activities. No such action should be taken prior to that.
Ambekar emphasized that the Sangh constantly strives for both national integrity and Hindu unity. “We are commemorating our Constitution’s 75th anniversary. Justice, equality, and fraternity are all well-stated in our Constitution. However, there is an underlying idea that fraternity is important for maintaining national integrity,” he stated.
Considering the recent Bharat Bandh that several Dalit organizations staged in opposition to the Supreme Court ruling, the statement makes sense. LJP and JD(U), allies of the BJP, are hesitant about this matter.
The RSS has hinted that action on the matter might not happen anytime soon by requesting a consensus.
Regarding the opposition’s use of the caste census issue to exert pressure on the government, Ambekar stated that the Sangh is redoubling its efforts to promote social harmony through its samajik samrasta campaign and is working locally to thwart “any designs to divide society.”
The integrity and cohesion of society are issues that worry us. You are aware of the five resolutions the RSS adopted for its centennial year, known as the Panch Parivartan issues. One of the resolutions, social harmony, is being considered very seriously. It will be embraced by the general public. It will be more diverse in terms of organizations, leaders in the community, and religious and social groups.
