JD(U) Slams RJD, Congress for Opportunism Over Caste Census
PM Narendra Modi with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Patna on Thursday (Image credit Bihar Info Dept)
Rajiv Ranjan Prasad says Nitish Kumar’s caste survey aimed at social justice, unlike past inaction of opposition
By AMIT KUMAR
NEW DELHI, June 9, 2025 — The Janata Dal (United) launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, accusing both parties of displaying political opportunism by questioning the methodology and intent of the caste-based census exercise.
JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, in a statement, said the RJD had ruled Bihar from 1990 to 2005 under Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, yet never initiated a caste-based survey during that period. “RJD has always deprived the backward and most backward classes of their rightful entitlements,” Prasad alleged.
He contrasted this with the Nitish Kumar-led government, which, he said, successfully completed a comprehensive caste survey and used its findings to extend reservation benefits based on population size. “Opposition parties treat caste as an electoral weapon, while our leader uses it as a tool for inclusive development,” he said.
Highlighting the outcomes of the survey, Prasad noted that financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each was provided to 94 lakh families living below the poverty line. He further added that the Nitish Kumar government introduced a new reservation framework for economically weaker sections across all castes and religions, which is currently under judicial review. “We are hopeful of success in the courts, which will give a new direction to Bihar’s development and help realise the vision of a socially just society as envisioned by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia,” he said.
Prasad also hailed the central NDA government’s decision to conduct a nationwide caste census, calling it a “historic move.” He criticized the Congress and RJD for raising objections, labelling them as opportunists who lacked genuine commitment to social justice.
“The Congress ruled the country for nearly sixty years but never made an honest effort to conduct a caste census. From 2004 to 2014, the UPA governments—led by the Congress—had ample opportunity but failed to act,” he said. “Before questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision on caste census, the Congress should introspect and explain why it did nothing when it had the power.”
Taking aim at the RJD, he said, “Now that the central government is acting decisively on this issue, RJD has suddenly developed objections to the structure and objective of the census. This exposes their intent—to mislead the people for political gain, not to pursue real social justice.”
He urged all political parties to view the caste census through the lens of public welfare, not partisan advantage. “Caste-based census is a critical step toward achieving social equity. The people of Bihar now clearly see who genuinely works for social justice and who only uses it as a slogan,” he added.
Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn
About The Author
