New Delhi:
The BJP is dilly-dallying in its stand on the caste census issue. After first saying yes, it now sounds ambiguous.
During the budget session of Parliament the party had said yes and now by backtracking, it has compounded the confusion over the entire matter.
On May 10, while the budget session was on in the Lok Sabha, Gopinath Munde, Deputy Leader of the Opposition had said, "What's the harm of the government... if the Prime Minister goes back on his word; he will let the backwards down."
It is said that the reason behind this sudden thinking wave is the RSS. The RSS is said to have cracked the whip on the party and said no to caste census. Since then, the BJP is divided between the OBC leaders and the rest who were worried that the caste census will raise fresh caste aspirations.
The fear of a fragmented Hindu society and poorly evolved backward leadership is why the BJP doesn't want to say yes. But after an-all party meeting Pranab Mukherjee had asked the BJP to clarify its stand. However, instead of clarity the party chose ambiguity.
Ananth Kumar, BJP General Secretary, says "The Congress is waiting. The UPA is waiting. Why do they want the BJP to give its opinion and then form their stand?"
But the UPA and the government are no better.
In the budget session Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh demanded a caste census.
Facing the Opposition's cut motions the government gave in.
A Group of Ministers was set up. But the voices of dissent are still alive. Some in the government are saying no to caste census, halfheartedly, only to save the integrity of the census. But most of the party men and allies are saying yes.
Digvijaya Singh, General Secretary, Congress, "Caste is a reality in India which has been accepted by all political parties and also the Indian Constitution."
Ramvilas Paswan, LJP President, "We want that the decision should be taken fast."
Lalu Yadav, RJD President "Whatever needs to be done should be done fast."
It appears that consensus is necessary. But with the big two of Indian politics taking an ambiguous stand, chances of a quick consensus on caste census have receded.