Parkash Singh Badal opposes inclusion of caste in census

Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal today opposed the inclusion of caste in census, citing the teachings of the Sikh Gurus espousing "a class-less and caste-less" society.

"We are against any 'jaat-paat' (caste system). The (Sikh) Gurus gave the message that everyone was equal and Sarbat Da Bala (may everyone be blessed)," the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch said at a press conference here.

Asked whether inclusion of caste in census will be tantamount to promoting casteism in society, Badal said, "we should all come together for the country's development".

Interestingly, SAD ally, the BJP, is divided on whether caste data should be included in the census while the RSS has clearly stated that it is opposed to the idea arguing that it will lead to further divisions in society.

When pointed out that BJP president Nitin Gadkari recently had talked about inter-linking of river waters, Badal said, "our (SAD) stand has always been clear on this. We favour riparian rights, according to which the state has full ownership rights over the water bodies which it has".

On the reported statement made by senior BJP leader and Punjab industries minister Manoranjan Kalia recently that a state's natural resources should be treated a national asset, Badal evaded a direct reply and said, "we have always maintained that the Centre should give the states more powers and autonomy. Because it is the states that are directly answerable to the people".