On a day the Congress unveiled its poll manifesto for Chhattisgarh, promising to conduct a caste census if elected, BJP national president JP Nadda hit out at the ruling party saying that if people vote back incumbent Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, they are "guaranteed to be looted again"
"We pledge to conduct a caste census in the state if voted back. The census exercise would cover the Scheduled Caste, tribal castes, backward classes, general category and minorities," Baghel announced after unveiling the party's manifesto in Raipur on Sunday.
In a major announcement ahead of the elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that his government has decided to extend the free ration scheme for the poor for five years.
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Saturday that the BJP has to take a U-turn on its stand on caste census under pressure from the people. However, he added that the party has yet to make its stand clear on the subject.
Rahul Gandhi on Saturday targeted the BJP-led government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Congress demand for a caste census in the country and said more benefits will be given to farmers in Chhattisgarh if the party comes back to power in the state
"They (Central government) should do it. The Bihar government has done. They have passed the Women's Reservation Bill, which will be implemented ten or fifteen years later, or maybe not. A caste-based census should be done. This is what the Congress and people of INDIA alliance are saying,"
The Andhra Pradesh cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Friday took several key decisions including carrying out a comprehensive caste-based census in the state.
Amid the Opposition's push for caste census and bid to bring it to the front and centre of the national political discourse ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP never opposed such an exercise and will take a call on
"I went to Chhindwara yesterday. Kamal Nath Ji is in trouble in Chhindwara. It would not be a surprise if he loses there in the upcoming state assembly polls. There is a campaign of desperation there, according to my observation," Prasad said.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh for the petitioner, said that a census is not needed. However, the court said that there are many other issues that have to be addressed. The court also refused to issue any notice on the plea at this stage and asked the petitioner to serve the copy to the other s
With opposition parties laying thrust on caste census and trying to make it a big poll issue, the BJP is devising a strategy to counter their narrative with a meeting held at the party headquarters here deciding to plan a big reach out to the OBC community, sources said
"Talent is not confined to caste and religion. If the opportunity and advantages of education are given to everyone, talent will come out for sure. Therefore, education is very important to live as good citizens with self-respect," Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.