In a recent development, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) accused the Indian Central Government of actively working to hinder a nearly-completed caste survey in Bihar. RJD MP Manoj Jha contends that this move undermines the rights of a significant segment of the society.
Jha pointed to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s involvement in a related court case as evidence that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is directly interfering with the survey. “This exposes the BJP and the Sangh’s agenda of depriving a large portion of society of their rights. It’s clear what their priorities are,” said Jha in a video statement.
The allegation comes on the heels of the Centre’s affidavit to the Supreme Court. The document emphasised that only the Union Government has the constitutional authority to conduct a census. This statement was in response to petitions challenging the Patna High Court’s green light for the caste survey in Bihar. The Centre assured its commitment to affirmative actions for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), as per the Constitution.
Jha argued that the affidavit’s language is an overt attempt to block the caste survey. “The wording ‘census and anything akin to census’ is an intentional obstruction,” said Jha. He further criticised the government for subsequently describing this as an “inadvertent error,” emphasising that the action was “deliberate.”
The RJD spokesperson warned the Centre against the societal repercussions of such a move. “By denying these rights, you are fueling a dormant volcano. Your actions are laying bare your real intentions; you won’t be able to stop the caste survey,” he cautioned.