Click to play videoNew Delhi: The debate over caste-based Census intensifies as the Union Cabinet meets Wednesday to discuss the contentious issue amidst a sharply divided UPA.
It promises to be a stormy Cabinet meeting with ministers split down the middle on whether a caste Census should be allowed at all. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said Monday, "There are different views. We will take everyone along."
But just hours before the crucial meeting, CNN-IBN has learnt that the Congress president Sonia Gandhi herself has thrown her lot with those who are in favour of a caste Census.
Home Minister P Chidambaram is said to be opposed to caste Census citing logistical constraints while Anand Sharma cites repercussion if a 70-year practice is discontinued.
Social Justice Minister and Dalit leader from Maharashtra Mukul Wasnik has been surprisingly against it. But Law Minister Veerappa Moily is supporting caste Census. He had even written a letter a few months back, pressing for caste enumeration.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is learnt to favour the move. He feels the data generated could be utilised for better implementation of social sector schemes.
The DMK minister M K Azhagiri says it is an old demand of his party. Even National Conference's Faruq Abdullah also supports caste Census.
The Opposition BJP too is learnt to be supporting caste Census officially though there are differences within the party. The RSS has now officially said they oppose it. However, the caste groups in India are all set to stand up and be counted.
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