New Delhi: On Monday, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed its view on the caste census, emphasizing that it could serve as a valuable tool for addressing welfare needs but should not be leveraged for electoral gains.RSS Prachar Pramukh (chief spokesperson) Sunil Ambekar stated, The government should get it [caste census] done for data purposes... Caste reactions are a sensitive issue in our society, and they are important for national integration. Ambekar made these remarks during a press conference after a three-day conclave in Palakkad, Kerala. He further clarified, However, the caste census should not be used for election campaigning and electoral purposes.Criticism of congressThe RSSs stance comes amid heightened demands from opposition leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, for a nationwide caste census. These leaders argue that such an exercise is essential for effective policy-making and ensuring that marginalized groups receive proper representation.Following Ambekars comments, the Congress Party criticized the RSS and BJP, accusing them of neglecting the welfare of marginalized communities. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Congress stated, RSS has openly opposed the caste census. RSS says caste census is not good for society. It is clear from this statement that the BJP and RSS do not want to conduct a caste census. They do not want to give Dalits, backward classes, and tribals their rights.RSS ने जातिगत जनगणना का खुलकर विरोध कर दिया है।RSS का कहना है- जातिगत जनगणना समाज के लिए सही नहीं है।इस बयान से साफ है कि BJP और RSS जातिगत जनगणना नहीं कराना चाहते।वे दलितों, पिछड़ों और आदिवासियों को उनका हक नहीं देना चाहते।लेकिन लिखकर रख लीजिए- जातिगत जनगणना होगी और…— Congress (@INCIndia) September 2, 2024About RSS stances caste censusReaffirming its commitment to the cause, the Congress pledged to carry out a caste census if elected to power. The party stressed that the census is directly linked to protecting the Constitution.In December last year, the RSS clarified its position on the caste census, stating that while it is not opposed to the exercise, it should be conducted in a manner that promotes societal progress without disrupting social harmony.
