Bihar's Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, a prominent leader in the opposition bloc, INDIA, has made headlines with his recent decision to exit the alliance. The primary reason behind his departure, according to Sanjay Kumar Jha, the working president of Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), is the Congress party's refusal to support the inclusion of the caste census in the alliance's agenda. This disagreement has sparked a political rift, with JD(U) expressing frustration over Congress’s lack of action on the caste census issue.

Caste Census Debate and Congress’s Role
The demand for a nationwide caste census has been a long-standing issue for various political parties, including the Congress. The Congress party, particularly Rahul Gandhi, has repeatedly pushed for such a census, citing its importance in assessing the social and economic status of different communities in India. The Centre's decision, after much debate, to include caste enumeration in the upcoming population census has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. While Rahul Gandhi credited the Congress for forcing the government’s hand, Sanjay Jha of JD(U) was quick to call out the Congress for its delay on the issue.

The Moment of Departure
The final trigger for Nitish Kumar's departure from the INDIA alliance was a disagreement during the meetings held to discuss the inclusion of the caste census. In the Bengaluru meeting, Nitish Kumar proposed that the issue be included in the alliance's agenda. However, Congress reportedly deferred the decision, stating that it would be discussed at a later meeting in Mumbai. When the issue was raised again at the Mumbai meeting, TMC (Trinamool Congress) opposed it, and Congress chose to table the discussion. This series of delays led Nitish Kumar to believe that the Congress party was not genuinely committed to the caste census issue. As a result, he walked out of the alliance.

Bihar’s Stance on Caste Census
Bihar has always been at the forefront of the caste census debate. Bihar became the first state to conduct and release its caste-based survey in 2023, which was seen as a significant step in identifying the socio-economic status of various communities. Nitish Kumar has been vocal about the need for a national caste census to better address issues of backward classes and other disadvantaged groups. In light of the Centre’s recent announcement to include caste enumeration in the population census, JD(U) has expressed its support for the decision, hailing it as a victory for the people of Bihar and a necessary step for national welfare.

JD(U)’s Perspective on the Announcement
After the Centre’s decision, JD(U) welcomed the move, stating that the caste census was a long-overdue measure. Sanjay Kumar Jha emphasized that Nitish Kumar had been the first to implement the caste-based survey in Bihar, and now, as part of the NDA government at the Centre, the party was pleased to see that the Centre had agreed to conduct the census. JD(U) sees this move as beneficial for better planning of government schemes, particularly those targeting the socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society. The caste census will help in allocating resources more efficiently, thus fostering socio-economic development across India.

Political Ramifications for INDIA Alliance
The fallout over the caste census issue adds to the growing political tension within the INDIA alliance, which had already been struggling with differing ideologies and approaches. Nitish Kumar’s exit marks a significant shift, as JD(U) had been an important player in the opposition bloc. The disagreement over such a crucial issue reflects the fractured nature of opposition politics ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. It also underscores the complexities of alliance-building in Indian politics, where regional aspirations often clash with national agendas.

Conclusion and Moving Forward
The issue of caste census is likely to continue to be a point of contention in Indian politics, especially as parties like JD(U) and Congress push for their own interpretations of what the census can achieve. For now, Nitish Kumar’s exit from the INDIA alliance will have significant implications for the opposition’s strategy, especially in states like Bihar, where caste dynamics play a pivotal role. JD(U) remains optimistic that the Centre’s decision will benefit the socio-economic upliftment of marginalized communities, a goal they have long championed. However, the road ahead for opposition unity seems more uncertain than ever before.

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