'In Cases Where Special Attention Is Needed, Government Needs Numbers; Should Not Be Used As Political Tool': RSS On Caste Census

The issue of caste census came up in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) coordination meeting in Kerala's Palakkad on Monday (2 September).

RSS chief spokesperson Sunil Ambekar called it a "sensitive issue" that should be dealt with very seriously, not only for election campaigning.

Notably, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other INDI Alliance parties were seen advocating for a nationwide caste census during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.

The RSS leader acknowledged the need for a caste census "in cases where special attention is needed" by the government for welfare purposes.

"If the government needs numbers, then there is no problem... but it should be for welfare only, should not be used as a political tool. We draw the line there," Ambekar said.

The three-day all-India coordination meeting of RSS began on 31 August in the presence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale and BJP national president JP Nadda.

RSS had earlier welcomed Bihar's caste survey report if it is used for "any affirmative action that is scientific and not conducted for electoral benefits... (but) to address disparity (in a Hindu society)".

Then in April this year, Nadda said that the BJP is "not against conducting a caste census" but did not reveal if the party has any plans to conduct any such survey.

Notably, many of the BJP's ally parties, especially in Bihar, like Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) have been demanding a caste census.