'Our politics revolves around social justice, BJP on back foot'

JD(U) leader K C Tyagi says most Oppn parties want a nationwide caste census

- Preetha Nair

KC Tyagi, special advisor and chief spokesperson of Janata Dal (United), spoke to Preetha Nair about the political implications of the recently published caste survey. Excerpts:

Bihar is the first state to conduct a caste survey and release its results. What are the implications? Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has consistently championed social justice. A majority of opposition parties, as well as NDA allies, support a nationwide census following Bihar's survey. The upcoming state elections will primarily revolve around the caste census, setting the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. CM's of Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have also announced their intention to conduct caste surveys. If Congress succeeds in Madhya Pradesh, they will follow suit.

In Telangana, both Congress and the ruling BRS government favor caste surveys. BJP is on a back foot. They are going to lose all the elections.

Prime Minister Modi said that poverty is the biggest caste in India, and Opposition parties are trying to divide society.