RSS Backs Caste Census, But With Conditions As Congress Accuses It Of Opposing Move

The RSS expressed support for a caste census but warned of misuse while the Congress accused the BJP and its ideological parent of opposing the drive.

File Photo of Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh (chief spokesperson) of the RSS

Source : rss.org

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) expressed its support on Monday for collecting data on specific communities or castes, provided that the information is utilised solely for their welfare and not manipulated for political purposes. Sunil Ambekar, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, addressed the media following the conclusion of a three-day coordination conclave, Samanway Baithak, in this district. Ambekar emphasised that caste and caste relations are sensitive issues within Hindu society and crucial to national unity and integrity.

In response to a question about the caste census, Ambekar stated, "Caste should be handled with the utmost seriousness, beyond mere electoral considerations. The RSS supports data collection if it aids in welfare activities targeting communities or castes that are lagging behind. The government has historically used such data for developmental purposes, and we see no problem with that as long as it is not used as a political tool for electioneering", news agency PTI reported.

Ambekar's remarks come in the wake of opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and other INDIA bloc allies, campaigning for a caste census to inform effective policymaking. 

Meanwhile, the Congress accused the BJP and RSS of opposing the welfare of marginalised communities. The party tweeted, "RSS has openly opposed the caste census. RSS says - caste census is not good for society. It is clear from this statement that BJP and RSS do not want to conduct caste census. They do not want to give Dalits, backward classes and tribals their rights." The Congress reiterated its commitment to carrying out a caste-based survey, asserting, "But keep it in writing – there will be caste census and Congress will get it done."

RSS ने जातिगत जनगणना का खुलकर विरोध कर दिया है।

RSS का कहना है- जातिगत जनगणना समाज के लिए सही नहीं है।

इस बयान से साफ है कि BJP और RSS जातिगत जनगणना नहीं कराना चाहते।

वे दलितों, पिछड़ों और आदिवासियों को उनका हक नहीं देना चाहते।

लेकिन लिखकर रख लीजिए- जातिगत जनगणना होगी और…

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 2, 2024

Rahul Gandhi has consistently supported a nationwide socio-economic caste census, a key element of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. The 54-year-old leader had pledged to conduct the census.

RSS On Uniform Civil Code, Kolkata Doctor Rape And Murder Case

The RSS also discussed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with Ambekar noting that the model was already in the public domain, as seen in Uttarakhand. He mentioned that the state government received over two lakh applications and engaged in public discussions before adopting the UCC.

"I think the UCC model is already in the public and before they adopted the UCC in Uttarakhand, they put it in the public domain. So I think more than 2 lakh applications they received and they discussed on it. I think now it is in the public domain. Public have a experience of it, then we can discuss it," he remarked, as per news agency IANS.

Kerala: Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the RSS, says, "No, I think UCC model is already in the public and before they adopted the UCC in Uttarakhand, they put it in the public domain. So I think more than 2 lakh applications they received and they discussed on… pic.twitter.com/J9HfneUHEA

— IANS (@ians_india) September 2, 2024

In the same conclave, Ambekar also addressed the recent incident of violence against a female doctor in West Bengal, condemning it as "very unfortunate." He emphasised the necessity of revisiting laws and penal actions to ensure swift justice for women who suffer atrocities, news agency PTI reported. The incident, involving the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, was discussed in detail during the 'Samanway Baithak'.

Ambekar highlighted the need for a fast-track justice system, stating, "We need a fast track [system]... Everyone is saying that the justice process shouldn’t be prolonged, that’s the major issue… how we can overcome that time gap in delivering justice. This would be taken up, and we will discuss..."

VIDEO | “We need a fast track (system)... Everyone is saying that the justice process shouldn’t be prolonged, that’s the major issue… that how we can overcome that time gap in delivering justice. This would be taken up and we will discuss...” says RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar… pic.twitter.com/nx0RWUpb2f

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 2, 2024

A civic volunteer has been arrested in connection with the Kolkata case, which has drawn widespread concerns and protests. The RSS spokesperson stressed the importance of revisiting procedures to ensure that justice is delivered promptly to victims.