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Caste Census Pilot Projects
Samjawadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday demanded that a caste census be conducted, saying it was necessary for inclusive growth. "Caste census is not a new demand of the party. Earlier also various parties and SP had made this demand. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (with all, for everyone's development) is possible only when caste census is done," Yadav told reporters in assembly premises. Attacking Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Yadav said, "he (CM) has come from another state, he has nothing to do with the state's caste census. People can get due honour after the caste census otherwise dreams of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar will remain unfulfilled". He also termed as "unfortunate" the Kapur incident in which a 45-year-old woman and her daughter allegedly immolated themselves during an anti-encroachment drive.
A 10-party delegation from Bihar headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in support of a nationwide caste-based census. Kumar was joined by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and representatives of many other other parties, including the BJP, and both leaders made a strong push for counting the population on the basis of caste. Kumar told reporters later that Modi heard them patiently. Asked about the prime minister's stand on the issue, he said Modi did not "deny it" (caste census) and heard out everyone. A caste-based census will help in formulating various development plans effectively, he said. Speaking strongly in its support, Yadav said it will be a "historic" measure in helping the poor. If animals and trees can be counted, then so can people, he said. Asked if the Kumar's JD(U) and the RJD are getting closer with both parties joining hands over the issue, Yadav said the opposition in Bihar has always supported the government over pro-peopl