Bihar CM Nitish Kumar keen to get caste census conducted soon, says Tejashwi Prasad Yadav

PATNA: Leader of opposition in the state assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, met CM Nitish Kumar on Wednesday on the caste census issue. Expressing satisfaction after his meeting, Tejashwi said the CM assured him of getting caste census conducted in the state very soon. Tejashwi also said it has to be passed from the state cabinet as, apart from Nitish's JD(U), his other alliance partners also have to give their nod to the proposal.
The nearly 45-minute-long meeting was held a day after Tejashwi sought time from the CM Nitish within 72 hours to discuss and know the government's stand the issue. No one else from either the ruling NDA or the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan were present in the meeting. While interacting with the media, Tejashwi said, "The CM told me in detail about the preparations already going on for caste census in the state. It has been conducted in other states, too, but not in a proper way. Hence, the CM said when it is conducted in Bihar, everyone's view will be taken, like how to count castes and sub-castes." He said even the Centre has made it clear that the states willing to conduct caste census on their own are free to do it.
Tejashwi said he also raised the issues of price rise and unemployment of a large number of youths in the state. But his main agenda of the meeting was to know whether the CM would carry out the caste census or not and, if yes, how will it be implemented. "The CM has assured me he will do it," said Tejashwi.
Talking about the ultimatum he had given to the CM on Tuesday, Tejashwi said he did so to remind him of the commitment made in the Vidhan Sabha. The RJD leader further said there is no need of an all-party meeting on the issue as the resolution for a caste census had already been passed twice by the state legislature and members of each important political party led by the CM himself had met the PM on this issue. "But if the CM wants so, I would not say much," he said. When asked about his proposed padyatra from Patna to Delhi on the issue, Tejashwi said, "The CM has committed to get caste census conducted very soon. If need arises, I will not hesitate from hitting the streets."