Nitish Kumar gives nod to rival Tejashwi Yadav’s demand for caste census, BJP irked by CM’s move

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today announced that his government would soon undertake the task of carrying out a caste census after taking the views of all parties. 

The move is seen as meeting the demands of the opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav while lying in discord with its ally BJP. As per the Bihar CM’s claim, the all-party meet on a caste census is likely slated for May 27.

"We will call an all-party meeting to take everyone's views on a caste-based census. Then the proposal will be presented before the state cabinet. We have spoken to some parties about conducting the meeting on 27 (May) but we are waiting for some parties to respond. After a final decision, the proposal will go to the cabinet and then we will start work," the CM Kumar said.

He further added, "We have started talks with every party. Everyone is not on board. We are waiting for their response."

The move came after RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav threatened to seize the campaign with a march to Delhi. Soon after that Nitish Kumar straight away met Yadav and chalked out a plan for caste census in the state. The move supposedly irked Kumar’s ally BJP.

Nitish Kumar's deputy, Tarkishor Prasad of the BJP, when asked about the move, didn’t give any square answers. "We will discuss it and consider various aspects," Prasad said.