Congress maintains cautious approach on issue of caste census

Congress today maintained a cautious approach on the issue of caste census, saying that it is a sensitive matter and a decision should be taken only after a consensus.

A section of the party, however, appeared in favour of it arguing that if reservation can be given on the basis of caste, there is no point in denying the caste reality and oppose a caste census.

"It is a very sensitive issue...after 1932 no caste census took place. On such sensitive issue, any decision can be made only after talking to all parties and building a comprehensive consensus," party spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed told reporters at the AICC briefing.

Asked who will be taking the lead for evolving consensus on the issue, Ahmed said "everybody will try". To a question about sharp divisions among the leaders on the issue, Ahmed said that sometimes consensus emerges outside Parliament.

Another party leader on condition of anonymity supported the idea saying opposition to it is not logical as "after all we are giving reservation on the basis of caste."

"If we are giving reservation on the basis of caste, it is also necessary to know what is exact population of different castes," the leader said.