JD(U) Applauds Nitish Kumar's Leadership In Historic Caste Survey, Pushes For National Census

The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) unanimously passed a resolution praising Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the completion of a "historic" caste survey in the state, elevating the demand for a nationwide caste-based census. Speaking about the resolution passed at the JD(U)'s national council, spokesperson KC Tyagi highlighted the resonance of the caste census issue across India, asserting that both the BJP and Congress can no longer ignore it. The party decided, in a unanimous decision during its national executive and council meetings, to take up the cause of caste-based census at the national level as part of the opposition INDIA bloc's agenda. Tyagi emphasized that the JD(U) will extend its campaign beyond Bihar, with Nitish Kumar leading a "Jan Jagran" initiative starting from Jharkhand, as reported by PTI. 

The resolution commended Kumar for the socio-economic caste survey in Bihar, describing it as a "historic initiative" welcomed nationwide. It noted the ripple effect, with several states planning similar caste-based surveys, fostering a silent revolution toward social and economic change. Tyagi outlined the inclusive benefits of the caste-based census, specifying increased quotas for various social groups and a new reservation system that raises the overall limit to 75 percent. The resolution also supported Bihar's request to include this new reservation system in the Ninth Schedule of Article 31(B) of the Constitution, seeking judicial review and protection.

Highlighting the state's demand for a "special status," the resolution emphasized Bihar's balanced approach to development through thoughtful and inclusive caste-based enumeration. Tyagi, in interactions with reporters, pointed to the historical context of caste-based reservations, citing the influence of leaders like VP Singh and Karpuri Thakur. He underscored the bipartisan support for caste census, citing demands from cabinet ministers Ramdas Athawale, Anupriya Patel, and Pashupati Nath Paras. Tyagi asserted that the JD(U) would make caste census a central issue for the INDIA bloc, pledging to prioritize it if they come to power.