BJP dispels reports of differences on caste-based census

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar (left) seen at Parliament in New Delhi. File photo: PTI.

The BJP today sought to dispel reports of differences in the party on the inclusion of caste in census, saying there is no confusion in the party.

“There is no confusion on the issue of inclusion of caste in census within BJP. It is for the Congress to explain its position on the issue,” senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, adding the Congress was “rather confused” over the issue.

However, during the debate on inclusion of caste in census in the Lok Sabha, party deputy leader Gopinath Munde had backed the inclusion of caste in the census.

But there were reports that senior leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi was opposed to the suggestion.

Mr. Joshi, who was of the view that inclusion of caste in census would “disintegrate” the society, is likely to raise the issue at the National Executive of the party which began here today.

The former HRD Minister had insisted that caste census would not solve any problem and it was not the right thing to do particularly when the country is faced with several other problems.

The RSS has opposed caste being used as a criterion in the ongoing census and made a strong pitch for inclusion of only nationality in the country-wide exercise.