The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a key political force in Bihar, has announced a statewide one-day sit-in protest, demanding a nationwide caste census and the inclusion of the recent 65% quota increase in Bihar under the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The move reflects the party’s consistent emphasis on social justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Demand for Nationwide Caste Census
The demand for a caste-based census has gained significant momentum in recent years, particularly in states like Bihar, where caste identities play a crucial role in the socio-political landscape. The RJD, under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav, has been at the forefront of this movement, arguing that a caste census is essential to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across all social groups.
Proponents of the caste census argue that the existing data on caste demographics is outdated and inadequate for formulating policies that address the needs of historically disadvantaged groups. A nationwide caste census, they believe, would provide accurate data that could be used to tailor welfare schemes, affirmative action policies, and resource allocation more effectively.
In addition to the caste census, the RJD is demanding that the recent 65% increase in reservation quotas in Bihar be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ninth Schedule provides constitutional protection to laws that may be challenged on the grounds of violating fundamental rights. By seeking this inclusion, the RJD aims to safeguard the quota increase from potential judicial scrutiny.
The Bihar government’s decision to raise the reservation ceiling to 65% has been a contentious issue, with debates centering around its legality and potential impact on social cohesion. The RJD’s demand for its inclusion in the Ninth Schedule is seen as a strategic move to ensure the long-term viability of the quota increase, which is designed to benefit marginalized communities, including Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The RJD’s call for a statewide protest is likely to have significant political implications, both within Bihar and at the national level. The party’s focus on caste-related issues is a reflection of its broader strategy to consolidate support among OBCs, SCs, and STs, who constitute a substantial portion of Bihar’s electorate. By championing these demands, the RJD seeks to position itself as the primary advocate for social justice in the state, potentially galvanizing its voter base ahead of future elections.
The demand for a nationwide caste census has also found resonance with other regional parties and social groups across the country, raising the prospect of a broader coalition in support of this cause. The outcome of the RJD’s protest could therefore have a ripple effect, influencing the national discourse on caste and social justice.
