Union Minister Challenges RJD Over Caste Census Delay

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi questions RJD's Tejashwi Yadav on ignoring caste census during his parents' regime. Tejashwi advocates for nationwide caste census, 65% quota in Bihar, blames BJP for perpetuating poverty. RJD holds state-wide protest demanding inclusion of quota increase in Constitution.

Amid growing demands for a nationwide caste census from the opposition, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has questioned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on why his parents did not conduct such a census during their tenure. Manjhi pointedly asked, 'When his parents ruled Bihar for 15 years, why did they forget about the caste census? And even when Tejashwi Yadav was the Deputy Chief Minister, why was it not addressed then? Now that he is out of power, it seems to be at the forefront of his concerns.'

Earlier today, Tejashwi Yadav advocated for a nationwide caste census and the inclusion of a 65% quota increase in Bihar in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The RJD leader emphasized that major socialist leaders have historically discussed caste issues. The RJD staged a state-wide sit-in protest to support these demands.

Tejashwi Yadav, who also serves as the Opposition leader in the state assembly, actively participated in the protest. He criticized the BJP, accusing the ruling party of wanting to perpetuate poverty among the lower classes. 'The BJP wants the sons of garbage collectors to remain drain cleaners for life,' he claimed, arguing that the BJP's mentality is to maintain the status quo for disadvantaged groups.

Addressing the protest rally, Tejashwi Yadav said, 'Our leaders have always talked about reservation and upliftment of underprivileged sections, including Dalits, tribals, and backward classes. Discrimination is still rampant, and a caste census is essential to address these issues.'

During media interactions, Yadav also challenged the Janata Dal (United), asking them to clarify their stance on incorporating the 65% quota increase into the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.

(With inputs from agencies.)