Nitish Kumar Left INDIA Bloc Over Caste Census Dispute, Says JD(U):

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Due to the Congress Party's disinterest in incorporating the caste census into the alliance’s agenda, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulled out from the opposition INDIA bloc ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. This was shared by Janata Dal (United) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha.

Jha's statement came right after the Central government declared that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs had ratified the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming population census.

Demand for a caste census and Political tensions

The Congress party, especially in the form of Rahul Gandhi, was the most vocal on the need for a caste-based census for the whole country. Post the government’s move, Rahul Gandhi was seen taking credit for Congress’s pressure on the government to come out with some action. On the other, Sanjay Jha has been quite critical of Congress’s action claiming that during their rule so much did nothing came to power and it was in fact Modi who took the call.

Jha claims that Congress put off a plan to incorporate the caste census into the INDIA alliance developed during the Bengaluru meeting of the alliance which was attended by Nitish Kumar. Congress decided to defer the decision to their Mumbai meeting which is where TMC said no. After that progress was stalled resulting in Kumar severing ties with the alliance.

Bihar’s Leadership in Caste-Based Surveys

Bihar stood out among all states in conducting and publishing a survey based on caste. This survey was the first of its kind in the entire nation. Until now, Bihar has also argued for a national census. JD(U) openly appreciated the initiative after the Centre’s announcement while also accusing other parties for their contradictory opinions.

Sanjay Jha added that Nitish Kumar takes the credit for being the first Chief Minister to initiate a survey of this magnitude, during his tenure. As per Sanjay, it is about time that appropriate schemes are formulated, especially those intended for the neglected and underrepresented societies.