Congress government’s caste census politically motivated, charges BJP MP

Rajya Sabha member and senior BJP leader K. Laxman on Sunday alleged that the Congress government’s caste census has failed to deliver justice to the Backward Classes, claiming it was conducted with the sole aim of ‘vote bank politics’ by including Muslims in the BC list.

Speaking at a book release event held as part of the Nomadic Tribes Liberation Day celebrations, Mr. Laxman insisted that a caste census is valid only when it is undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He stressed the need to educate the public on this aspect.

Mr. Laxman noted that the Centre has already announced plans to conduct a caste census as part of the upcoming national population census next year. With public cooperation, he said, the exercise can be completed successfully and efficiently.

The MP said he had urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure that nomadic tribes are counted in the forthcoming census, enabling targeted development and welfare schemes with adequate fund allocation. As the national president of the BJP’s OBC Morcha, he will be touring various States over the next six months to consult with representatives of nomadic tribes and ensure their rights are protected in the nationwide caste census.

The Modi government, after granting constitutional status to the National Backward Classes Commission, is now working to provide similar recognition to the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes. This move, he said, would open up greater opportunities for these communities in education, healthcare and employment.

The Centre has directed all BJP-led State governments to observe Nomadic Tribes Liberation Day as an official event. The Telangana unit of the BJP’s OBC Morcha is also planning to host a convention for these communities soon, he added.