VHP opposes caste-based census

Madurai: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has opposed caste-based census, saying it would strengthen casteist forces and lead to discrimination.

"There should not be caste-based discrimination. There was no caste based census after 1931, why should the government revive it now?" VHP international general secretary Pravin Togadia asked.

Talking to reporters in Madurai, he also opposed any move to provide reservation for Muslims and Christians, calling it unconstitutional.

Also read: Should caste be included in census?

"Constitution did not provide for religion-based quota and VHP would mobilise students, unemployed youths and caste associations for launching a countrywide movement against any attempt to provide reservation to minorities," he said.

"Let Christians admit openly to the international community that caste system and discrimination existed," he added.

Pointing out that 50 per cent reservation had been made for SCs, STs and OBCs, the VHP leader wondered from where the government would provide further reservation.

He said VHP would not allow the existing reservation to be "snatched" for providing quota to minorities.