'As a responsible NDA ally...': JD(U) intensifies demand for caste census as Bihar polls approach

Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) is intensifying its push for a long-awaited caste-based survey as Bihar's assembly elections approach. JD(U) seems to be leveraging this issue to strengthen its appeal to its core voter base, with a message that it will not compromise on this key agenda as the elections draw near.

Senior JD(U) leaders have said that while the party has not yet set a timeframe for the BJP, it is actively engaging with the Union government to initiate the census process, according to News18.

The topic of a caste census has resurfaced in recent discussions, with the Congress party including it in its electoral promises in Haryana, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterating his commitment to releasing caste data.

In this context, the NDA government faces increasing pressure from its Bihar allies, particularly JD(U) and the LJP, to commence the process.

During the RSS's recent Samanvaya Baithak held in Kerala in early September, the organization indicated that it would not oppose the government collecting caste data for the upliftment of backward communities. However, it raised concerns about the potential for this data to be manipulated for political gain and electioneering purposes.