BJP demands early caste survey in state

The BJP state unit on Thursday asked the BJD government to conduct a survey of backward classes without further delay and threatened statewide agitation if the same is not done soon. Surath Biswal, president of the BJP's Odisha Obc Morcha, said states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra have already had one such caste-based survey, but Odisha is delaying it. "If the government does not come out with a concrete timeline for completion of the survey, we will agitate. We will serve an ultimatum before intensifying our strike," he said. Pointing out that the government had announced in 2021 to conduct a caste survey by the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes, Oscbc, the same was not being implemented, depriving the 54 backward classes of their rightful reservations in government jobs, education, and in elections to local bodies. Meanwhile, BJD is yet to react to the BJP's statement. A senior government officer said the Oscbc will conduct the survey soon.