BJP Ally Apna Dal (S) Expected To Raise Demand For Caste Census From Ayodhya

On its 29th foundation day, the Apna Dal (S), led by Anupriya Patel and a key ally of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, is set to make a fervent call for a caste census from the significant location of Ayodhya, known as the epicenter of Hindutva ideology.

This move signifies a notable political shift as the party aims to resurrect the demand for a caste-based census, which was a central tenet when the party was established in 1995 under the leadership of Sone Lal Patel.

Informed sources reveal that the Apna Dal leadership has reached a consensus to rekindle the call for a caste census.

Their argument hinges on the belief that the benefits earmarked for other backward classes (OBC) and Dalits can only be effectively distributed when their true population is accurately ascertained.

The party is actively mobilising its workers and supporters, encouraging them to converge in Ayodhya on the foundation day, with the aim of sending a powerful message and consolidating its position among its core Kurmi voters, who hold a substantial presence in and around the Ayodhya region.

This approach taken by the Apna Dal (S) sets it apart from BJP's focus on Ayodhya and the associated Hindutva fervor as a means to transcend caste boundaries.

Additionally, it comes in close proximity to demands for a caste census from other BJP allies, such as the Om Prakash Rajbhar-led SBSP and Sanjay Nishad's Nishad party.

Rajbhar, in particular, has cited the recommendations of the social justice committee, which submitted its report in 2018, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The committee, chaired by retired Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Raghvendra Kumar, was established by the Yogi Adityanath government to examine the division of the OBC quota, following the precedent set by some other states like Bihar.

Rajbhar has also been pushing for the inclusion of OBC sub-castes like Rajbhar and Bhar into the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, while Nishad has been advocating for the inclusion of fishermen and boatmen into the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

Observers note that the BJP, which has been treading cautiously on the caste census issue, faced criticism from opposition parties, including the SP, Congress, and BSP.

They accuse the BJP of making decisions that could adversely impact the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.