NEW DELHI: In a recent statement, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), days after a functionary opposed a caste census, expressed the view that such an exercise should focus on the “overall development of society.” The organisation emphasised the importance of ensuring that the caste census does not disrupt social harmony and unity.
Sunil Ambekar, the publicity head of the RSS, stated, “The organisation is continuously striving for the creation of a Hindu society based on harmony and social justice without any discrimination and disparity.” He added that historical reasons had led to economic, social, and educational backwardness in various sections of society.
While the statement acknowledged the ongoing discussion on the caste-based census, it urged all parties involved to use it for the greater good of society. Ambedkar emphasised the need for caution to prevent any negative impact on social harmony and unity during the process.
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Earlier, an RSS functionary, Shridhar Gadge, had expressed opposition to a caste-based census, stating that it may lead to political benefits but is not conducive to national unity. Gadge argued that the caste census had no relevance to the reservation system, which, he asserted, aimed at social upliftment and would continue until complete social progress was achieved.
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Gadge clarified the RSS’s position, highlighting that their resolution passed in the Pratinidhi Sabha affirmed that reservation would persist until every individual in society has progressed. He underscored that the reservation system was a social mechanism independent of the caste-based census.
The RSS’s stance on the caste census differs from that of the Congress and some opposition parties, which advocate for a nationwide enumeration of caste data. Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the RSS, alleging that it hindered the progress of people from backward classes. Wadettiwar suggested that the RSS’s opposition to a caste census was aligned with their reluctance to see progress among certain sections of society.
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