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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has expressed its support for a caste census but with a caveat: it should solely be utilized for the welfare of disadvantaged communities and not for electoral manipulation. This stance was articulated by Sunil Ambekar, the RSS's national media-in-charge, at the conclusion of a three-day coordination committee meeting in Palakkad, Kerala. He emphasized the sensitivity of caste and caste relations within Hindu society and the broader context of national unity and integrity, cautioning against politicization of the census.
Ambekar clarified that the RSS sees no issue with data collection for the purpose of identifying and addressing the needs of marginalized communities. He acknowledged that governments often require such data to implement effective welfare programs, highlighting past instances of caste-based data gathering. However, he stressed that the data should be used strictly for welfare purposes and should not be exploited as a political tool during elections.
The demand for a caste census has gained traction from several opposition parties, with support even coming from Lok Sabha member Giridhari Yadav of the Janata Dal (United), a BJP ally. The Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Other Backward Classes, in its inaugural meeting, included the caste census on its agenda for the upcoming year.
The meeting in Palakkad also saw discussion regarding the current state of coordination between the RSS and its affiliates, particularly the BJP, following remarks by BJP president J.P. Nadda that the party no longer needed the RSS. Ambekar, in addressing this issue, characterized it as a 'family matter' that would be resolved internally. He emphasized the shared goal of national unity and progress, suggesting that the recent tensions would be addressed through internal dialogue and cooperation.
Beyond the caste census and internal party dynamics, the meeting also tackled the issue of violence against women. The RSS expressed grave concern over the rising number of such incidents, citing the recent rape of a doctor in West Bengal as a prime example. Ambekar advocated for a reevaluation of laws pertaining to violence against women and the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift justice for victims and survivors.
The RSS also expressed concern over the potential negative impact of certain online content, particularly in relation to violence against women. Ambekar suggested the need to regulate such content, pointing to instances where perpetrators had exposed themselves to harmful material prior to committing crimes. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to combating violence against women, encompassing both legal and social measures.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the Waqf Bill, a proposed legislation aimed at regulating Muslim religious endowments. Ambekar acknowledged concerns regarding the mismanagement of Waqf properties, noting that these concerns had been raised by members of the Muslim community themselves. He indicated that the government was taking note of these concerns and that the bill was currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The committee, he stated, would be open to input from all segments of society, including RSS-affiliated organizations, before a final decision is made by the government.