BJPs reply keeps options open

Asked to convey its view on inclusion of caste in census to the government,the BJPs top brass met to formulate its position.

Asked to convey its view on inclusion of caste in census to the government,the BJPs top brass met here on Friday to formulate its position. The party although divided and aware of the RSSs opposition to the proposal decided that since the government has not opened up its cards,it need not spell out its views in black and white either. That way,it can also paper over the differences within.

In his letter to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj,Finance Minister Mukherjee had asked whether caste should be canvassed in the ongoing census/NPR exercise? and if the answer is in the affirmative,whether your party agrees that the caste of the respondent should be canvassed in such manner and at such stage that it does not affect the integrity of the headcount (census)?

The reply by Swaraj read: The BJP had already clarified its stand in the Lok Sabha. The party reiterates that caste can be canvassed in the ongoing census/NPR exercise. We agree that caste should be canvassed in such manner and at such stage so that it does not affect the integrity of the head count (census).

By stating that caste should be canvassed without affecting the integrity of the headcount,BJP leaders said they have put the onus squarely on the government to take a call on including caste in census and kept open an escape route for itself. Now,the government will have to decide how to include caste in census without disturbing its integrity, a senior BJP leader said.

BJP general secretary Ananth Kumar said Mukherjees letter was vague and confusing. The government wants the opposition parties to make clear their stand first and then they are going to formulate their view. Why they are playing politics, he added. For this letter of the government,this is our stand, he said.

The core group saw opponents and supporters of the caste-based census holding on to their views. The meeting also took note of the Sanghs opposition to inclusion of caste in the headcount but felt it would be politically wise to support inclusion of caste in census at this point.