Caste census is popular across country, so PM calls for rooting out casteism, says Brinda Karat

New Delhi [India]: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Senior leader and Politbureau member of the Party, Brinda Karat on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for rooting out casteism because the caste census is a popular demand across the country.

Speaking to ANI Brinda Karat said "The Prime Minister is remembering casteism because the demand for Caste Census is very popular across the country. BJP and the family of which the Prime Minister is the head represent: Manuwadi's ideology, hence the attempt to link the Caste Census with casteism is absolutely wrong.

"To know the social reality why are our Prime Minister and his family afraid of the caste census and calling it casteism," she added

Former Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat further told ANI "The Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not say a word on communalism. Why did he not talk about communalism, which is creating division in the name of religion? The selective talk they make is not very convincing."

The left leader was echoing recent statements made by the Congress leadership which has endorsed the caste cenuse and promised to hold the census in states where it has its government.

Speaking at a rally in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, on October 10, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said "The adivasis get only Rs 10 of the country's budget of Rs 100. This is extremely shameful. We will not let anyone insult the Adivasis, Dalits and OBCs, we will get the Caste Census done to ensure that they get their rightful due."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon people to finish off forces trying to divide the country with casteism and regionalism.

Addressing a huge gathering in Dwarka, Delhi, he said the festival should also mark the burning of ideologies that detract from India's development. "It should not be confined to the burning of Ravana's effigies and Lord Ram's victory over the demon but also mark the triumph of patriotism over every evil in the country," he said.

The Prime Minister's comments come against the backdrop of the opposition parties zeroing in on the demand for a nationwide caste survey as one of the major poll planks for next year's general election.