Oppn parties hail Centre's decision on caste census

The opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the ruling Mahayuti alliance have welcomed the central government's decision to conduct a caste census, saying it would help establish social equality.

- Saurabha Kulshreshtha

MUMBAI: The opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the ruling Mahayuti alliance have welcomed the central government's decision to conduct a caste census, saying it would help establish social equality. However, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar called it a "fraudulent decision", while the Shiv Sena (UBT) and OBC organisations have demanded a time frame for the census, urging the government to disclose the mechanism involved in conducting the exercise.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said the move should not be used as a campaign issue. "The caste census is a welcome move but it should not be used only for election campaigning; it must be implemented without delay. Sapkal added that the government should also consider removing the 50% cap on reservations.