INDIA bloc MPs, JD(U) want discussion on caste census

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 29

Congress MPs and INDIA bloc ally DMK on Thursday sought discussion on the politically sensitive issue of caste census, a demand which received backing even from the Centre’s ally, the JD(U), in the inaugural meeting of the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes headed by BJP MP Ganesh Singh.

However, no consensus could be evolved over the subjects to be taken up by the newly constituted panel. The meeting was held to decide on the agenda that the committee will take up for consideration.

DMK MP TR Baalu took up the matter of caste census, seeking presence of Union Home Ministry officials in the next meeting to discuss the issue, which the Congress has been raking up since the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls.

The main opposition party has been seeking caste census along with long-pending census operations. He received backing from Congress MP Manickam Tagore. JDU lawmaker Giridhari Yadav also supported the suggestion, sources said.

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee sought reconstitution of the OBC commission, as per changing caste dynamics.