'Landmark step': All NDA parties back Centre

This step will bring a big change in the direction of inclusive development of the country CHIRAG PASWAN, Union minister, LJP(RV) chief

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

NEW DELHI: The Union government's decision to include caste-based enumeration in the upcoming decadal census has come as a shot in the arm for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), particularly for parties gearing for an electoral battle in Bihar later this year.

Allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA, such as Janata Dal (United), Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas), the Apna Dal and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) hailed the decision, and said the data on castes will pave the way for more equitable policies.

The BJP said the announcement has punctured the Opposition's charge that government was anti-reservation, although its allies chose to define the move as a measure to identify those who have not benefitted from caste-based quotas.

Sanjay Jha, the JD(U)'s working president recalled that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar first met Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a delegation of leaders from 11 parties in 2021 to make a case for a caste census.