No need for a caste-based census: VHP

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

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

Talking to the media in Madurai, he also opposed any move to provide reservation for Muslims and Christians saying it was unconstitutional.

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

Pointing out that 50 percent reservation had been made for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes, he wondered from where the government would provide further reservation.

The VHP will not allow the existing reservation to be 'snatched' for providing quota to minorities.

"We have charted out an action plan to counter the government move," he said.

On demands for reservation for Christian Dalits, he said, "Let Christians admit openly to the international community that caste system and discrimination existed."

On the Mullaperiyar dam row, he said the Centre should find a "win-win" solution that would not affect people of southern districts of Tamil Nadu, who depend on the river for their water requirements, and Kerala through dialogue.