Congress, BJP in war of words over caste census ahead of MP elections 2023
Madhya Pradesh’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress traded sharp blows on Wednesday after the Saffron Party said the opposition was responsible for dividing India and was now trying to create a divide among Hindus by raising the caste survey issue.
In response, the Congress party questioned whether the BJP considered OBCs (other backward classes) as Hindus. The Congress welcomed the Bihar government’s initiative to collect caste data and urged the Center to take up a similar exercise at the national level.
Addressing a rally in Beohari, Madhya Pradesh, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said his party would conduct a caste survey if voted to power in the state. He described the survey as an “X-ray picture” of the country that would shed light on the condition of OBCs, Dalits and tribals who were “hurt”.
“First, the Congress divided the country through partition. It was his (Rahul Gandhi’s) ancestors who were responsible. The same was done in Kashmir and an attempt was made in the Punjab. Now they are trying to divide Hindus into castes. Why talk of such division only among Hindus? Extend it to other religions as well,” Mishra was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency.
“Why is the Congress raising issues only about Ram Mandir and Mahakaleshwar?” he further asked.
When asked about the BJP leader’s allegations, Madhya Pradesh Congress media spokesperson KK Mishra retorted that the BJP should first clarify whether it considers OBCs as Hindus.
The state home minister should also clarify whether he thinks OBCs should get rights in proportion to their population, Mishra added.
He further observed that Minister Mishra has no authority to ask such questions as his own party came to power in Madhya Pradesh through divide and rule strategy.
Madhya Pradesh will hold elections on November 17. The results will be announced on December 3.