The forthcoming caste census is set to prioritise backward classes, a decision that has ignited debates over the implications for their reservation rights, informed Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal on Tuesday.
Moreover, Samal criticised opposition BJD and Congress for their alleged confusing stance on the caste census in a presser.
Samal accused the opposition of opposing the initiative habitually without considering their own past actions.
"Those who have been opposing merely for the sake of opposition should first introspect," said the senior saffron party leader.
Samal alleged that despite being in power for an extended period, they (BJD and Congress) failed to make any significant impact on the issue. He further accused them of 'shedding crocodile tears', implying insincere concern.
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Emphasising the progress made under the current BJP government, Samal stated that they have delivered on their promises related to reservation as outlined in their manifesto.
"The BJP has consistently supported the Mandal Commission," he affirmed.
"What was their (BJD) role in it. Those who were only giving speeches don't have the moral courage to tell anything about the matter. Their late leader, Biju Patnaik, had even moved the Supreme Court against the recommendation of the Mandal Commission. Later, they only made a campaign of supporting it," he claimed.
"Though Congress and BJD were in governance for a long time, they could not implement it. BJP is consistently in support of the Mandal Commission. And, when we have started its implementation process, they are trying to confuse people by giving different kinds of comments," said Samal.
The BJD and the Congress are yet to respond to the allegations of the Odisha BJP president.