RSS Cautions Against Politicisation Of Caste Census, Terms It 'Very Sensitive Issue'

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed a cautious stance on the issue of a nationwide caste census.

While acknowledging its potential usefulness for welfare activities, RSS warned against its exploitation for electoral gains.

This statement comes amid a robust campaign by the Opposition, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, advocating for a nationwide caste census and accusing the government of opposing such an exercise.

Sunil Ambekar, the RSS Prachar Pramukh (chief spokesperson), addressed the issue following a three-day conclave in Palakkad, Kerala.

He spoke about the sensitivity of the caste census, noting its importance for "national unity and integrity."

Ambekar said, "Caste census is a very sensitive issue, and it is important for our national unity and integrity. It should be dealt with very seriously. Sometimes, the government needs the numbers and has done similar [exercises] in the past. But it [caste census] should only be to address the welfare of those communities and caste. It should not be used as a political tool or for electioneering."

This cautionary stance led to sharp criticism from Congress, which accused RSS and BJP of opposing the welfare of marginalised communities.

Congress took to X and tweeted, "RSS has openly opposed the caste census. RSS says - caste census is not good for society. It is clear from this statement that BJP and RSS do not want to conduct caste census. They do not want to give Dalits, backward classes and tribals their rights."

Reaffirming its commitment to a caste-based survey, Congress added, "But keep it in writing - there will be caste census and Congress will get it done."

Rahul Gandhi, a staunch advocate of a nationwide socio-economic caste census, has made this issue a central part of the Congress' platform for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He has pledged to conduct the census if the Congress wins, underscoring that it is "directly linked to protecting the Constitution."

The call for a national caste census gained momentum after the Janata Dal (United), led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, published the results of a statewide caste survey.

The survey, released ahead of the Lok Sabha election, revealed that over 80% of Bihar's population belongs to extremely backward classes, further intensifying the debate.

Despite the controversy, RSS clarified that it is not opposed to the government's potential decision to conduct a nationwide caste census.

Ambekar remarked, "Recently, a discussion around caste census has started again. We believe it must be used for all-encompassing progress of the society, and while doing so all sides must ensure that social harmony and integrity is not disturbed."

This clarification followed comments from Shridhar Gadge, an RSS functionary, who had earlier sparked controversy by labeling the caste census a "futile exercise" that would benefit only certain individuals.

Gadge stated, "A caste census will quantify caste-wise populations. But it is not going to be in the interest of society or the nation."

Adding to the discussion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned that BJP had never explicitly opposed a caste census, further muddying the waters on the issue within the party and its affiliates.