Lalu Prasad backs Nitish Kumar’s demand for caste-based census in India

PATNA: Chief minister (CM) Nitish Kumar got support from his friend-turned-foe and RJD supremo, Lalu Prasad, on his fresh demand from the Centre for a caste-based census in the country.
Talking to mediapersons in New Delhi after getting the first shot of Covishield at the vaccination centre in the Parliament House on Thursday, Lalu said, “We have been fighting for a caste-based census for long. It will empower those who are lagging behind in development.”
It was Lalu’s first interaction with the media after being released on bail in a fodder scam case by the Ranchi high court. He is recuperating at the residence of his eldest daughter and MP, Misa Bharti, in Delhi.
The former Union minister claimed that those at the helm of affairs at the Centre were giving contradictory statements on the matter. “Wo kabhi kuchh to kabhi kuchh botle hain,” he alleged.
The CM on Saturday had reiterated his demand for a caste-wise enumeration of population, triggering a political debate in the state. He had pointed out that a resolution was passed twice by the assembly and sent to the Centre with a request to conduct caste-wise enumeration of population in the country.
Slamming the Narendra Modi government, Lalu alleged that the country had been pushed back so far development was concerned. “Desh ko patri par laane mein kafi samay lagega,” he said.
Asked about his visit to Patna, the RJD chief said his health condition was improving. “All I can say at this moment is that I will surely visit Patna after my health improves. Our party has its base there,” he asserted.
In response to a query, Lalu said Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had proved his mettle in his absence. “Wo humse aage nikal gaye hain,” he said, recalling his younger son’s performance in the 2020 Bihar assembly polls.
Meanwhile, JD(U) MPs, Chandeshwar Prasad, Dilkeshwar Kamat, Sunil Kumar Pintu, Alok Kumar Suman and Sunil Kumar, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to ensure caste-based census in the country.