Caste Census: 'Not denied demand, decision lies with PM Modi', says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

NEW DELHI: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with a team of 11 political leaders from the state, including RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, on Monday (August 23, 2021) to discuss the issue of a caste Census.

After the meeting, while talking to the reporters, CM Nitish Kumar said, "The prime minister listened to all members of the delegation on caste census in the state. We urged the PM to take an appropriate decision on it. We briefed him on how resolutions have been passed twice in the state assembly on caste census."

CM Nitish Kumar

"People in Bihar and the entire country are of the same opinion on this issue. We are grateful to the PM for listening to us. Now, he has to take a decision on it," CM Nitish Kumar added.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also spoke on the issue. "In the interest of the nation, it will be a historical step, all the poor will benefit. When animals and trees are counted, then why not castes. When the government has no scientific data on the population, how can it make welfare policies?," Tejashwi Yadav said.

"When states will have caste data, then only it will be able to include castes in the state OBC list. If caste Census will lead to unrest, then the same logic applies to religion as well," Tejashwi added.

Earlier, Tejashwi Yadav also had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the demand for a caste-based census. However, the Central government has so far refused to accede to the demand.

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