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Key Points

The caste census debate is heating up in Bihar with the NDA and Grand Alliance fighting for narrative control. JD-U leader Neeraj Kumar strongly criticized opposition leaders, claiming they are more interested in a property census than social justice. Nitish Kumar is being portrayed as a pioneer who first raised the caste census demand decades ago. The political discourse is increasingly centered on representation and social equity ahead of the state elections.

Key Points: Nitish Kumar Leads Caste Census Debate Against Bihar Opposition

  • NDA claims credit for nationwide caste census initiative
  • JD-U attacks Opposition's motives as wealth-focused
  • Nitish Kumar's long-standing demand for social justice
  • Political battle intensifies before Bihar elections
2 min read

NDA, Grand Alliance spar over 'caste census credit' in Bihar; JD-U leader slams Oppn

JD-U challenges RJD and Congress over caste census, highlighting Nitish Kumar's historical stance on social justice

"If PM Modi is there, it is possible to conduct caste census, and if CM Nitish Kumar is there, it is certain - Neeraj Kumar, JD-U Spokesperson"

Patna, May 3

With the Central government's announcement of a nationwide caste-based census, political tensions have escalated in Bihar with leaders from both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Grand Alliance vying to claim credit.

In a sharp political attack, Janata Dal-United MLC and National Spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, on Friday accused opposition leaders of misleading the public and reframed the debate around the legacy of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Addressing a press conference held at Nawada Circuit House on Friday, Neeraj Kumar targeted the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling their stance as one focused on "property census" rather than genuine social justice.

"If PM Modi is there, it is possible to conduct caste census, and if CM Nitish Kumar is there, it is certain," he said, echoing the NDA's narrative.

"Nitish Kumar is among the first leaders to raise the demand for a caste census, back in 1990 when he was the Union Agriculture Minister. While the nation remained silent, he spoke up for social justice," he added.

In a scathing critique of the RJD leadership, Kumar alleged that Lalu Prasad's focus shifted from social causes after the fodder scam surfaced, and now the Opposition's agenda revolves around personal wealth.

"Lalu Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and Rahul Gandhi are more concerned about a property census than caste census. They fear their assets might be exposed in states beyond Bihar," the JD-U leader said.

The press conference comes a day after the Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that NDA leaders would conduct statewide outreach to educate citizens about the caste census and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pivotal role in its decision.

JD-U leader Neeraj Kumar's visit to Nawada was part of this campaign.

The event saw participation from several key political leaders, including BJP MLA Aruna Devi and district presidents of all NDA alliance partners.

The political slugfest over the caste census has intensified since its announcement by the Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with both the NDA and Grand Alliance attempting to frame the census move as a fulfilment of their own long-standing agenda.

The issue is rapidly emerging as a central theme in the run-up to the Bihar Assembly elections, with social justice, representation, and economic equity at the heart of the political discourse.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the Bihar caste census political debate:
R
Rahul K.
Finally some action on caste census after decades! But why are politicians fighting over credit instead of focusing on implementation? This data is crucial for equitable development. Hope it doesn't become another political tool like reservation debates. 🤞
P
Priya M.
As a Bihari, I've seen how caste politics dominates everything here. Nitish Kumar did raise this issue long back, but let's not forget he's changed alliances multiple times. This credit war shows all parties are equally opportunistic when elections approach.
A
Amit S.
Property census jab mentioned hua hai, toh actually yeh accha idea hai! Politicians ke paise ka bhi hisab lena chahiye. Caste census ke saath-sath ispe bhi dhyaan dena chahiye. Corruption kam hogi.
S
Sunita T.
The way leaders are attacking each other shows their true colors. Instead of debating who raised the issue first, they should explain how this census will actually help marginalized communities. Mere counting won't solve centuries of discrimination.
V
Vikram J.
Bihar politics never changes - same old caste equations, same leaders recycling old demands. The youth want development, jobs and infrastructure, not these endless identity politics debates. When will our priorities change?
N
Neha P.
While caste data is important, I hope this doesn't lead to more division in society. We've seen how such exercises can be misused politically. The focus should be on using this data for better welfare schemes, not vote bank politics. 🙏

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