Lucknow
With the issue of caste census gaining momentum in states like Bihar, it is unlikely to make much impact in Uttar Pradesh where the ruling BJP has perfectly positioned the ‘Kamandal’ over ‘Mandal’.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has firmly turned down the demand for a caste census even though the BJP’s allies have started a whispering campaign in favour of it.
The Samajwadi Party’s caste census card aims at changing the arithmetic to 85 versus 15, with 85 being OBCs and Dalits and 15 being upper castes.
However, Yogi Adityanath has countered this by saying that the 2024 election would be 80 versus 20 with 80 being Hindus and 20 being minorities and this formula — in the prevailing circumstances — seems more potent than the caste card.
The regional parties, namely, the Samajwadi Party which is one of the main Opposition parties in UP, have also sensed that denting the BJP would be a near impossible task in 2024 since, by then, the Ram temple would be ready and the BJP’s Hindu plank would be reinforced like never before.
The BJP and members of the Sangh Parivar are already planning a massive build-up for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 2024 – which will be just ahead of the general elections.
Special trains will bring in devotees from all states, special yatras will criss-cross the country and several campaigns will be held to herald the opening of the Ram temple.
