Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Dodges Queries About BJP's Reservations On Caste Census

On Saturday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar evaded a question on the BJP's worries over the state's proposed caste census.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (Source: Getty Images)

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar dodged a question regarding the BJP's concerns over the proposed caste census in the state on Saturday. "Pata nahin," (I am not aware), was the chief minister's harsh response when questioned about state BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal's demand that "Rohingyas" be excluded from the survey, news agency PTI reported.

After the all-party meeting approved the state-specific poll earlier this week, Jaiswal issued a Facebook post stating that his party supported the idea but had a few reservations, PTI reported.

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Another point of complaint made by Jaiswal was that upper caste Sheikh Muslims in the Seemanchal region were purportedly known to falsely claim OBC classification for reservation benefits, and that such inconsistencies must be addressed by the study, PTI reported.

Kumar, a JD(U) member who is popular among Muslims, is likely to be dissatisfied with the BJP's attitude.

However, having received cabinet approval for the exercise, which would cost the exchequer at least Rs 500 crore, the Chief Minister opted to ignore the murkier side and focus on the advantages that the survey promised to bring to "all parts of society, without distinction."

(With Inputs From PTI)