Congress Questions RSS's Stance on Caste Census

The Congress has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intent to conduct a caste census after the RSS indicated it has no objection to it. Congress leaders raised concerns about the RSS's influence and its historical silence on important issues regarding caste-based reservations. The RSS emphasized the census should focus on welfare rather than politics.

In a sharp rebuke to recent comments by the RSS, the Congress on Tuesday questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would now proceed with a caste census, terming it as potentially hijacking another Congress initiative.

The RSS had stated it has no objections to a caste census as long as the data collected is used for the welfare of communities rather than for electoral gains. This prompted Congress leaders to challenge the RSS's authority and its role in such decisions.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh and President Mallikarjun Kharge both raised fundamental questions about the RSS's influence and criticized its lack of clarity on amending reservation caps for marginalized communities. RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar reiterated the call for responsible handling of the sensitive issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)