JDU's list of demands to ally BJP: 'scrap Agniveer, conduct caste survey'

With only a couple of days left for the Narendra Modi-led NDA government's swearing-in ceremony, and its key all the JD(U) has come up with a list of demands.

The JD(U) not only seeks the Special Status Category for Bihar, which would enable the transfer of more funds from the Centre to the state, but it also wants the BJP to consider scrapping the Agniveer scheme, and conduct caste survey across the country, which were the main poll plank of the opposition in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

In fact, Nitish Kumar was the first ever leader to press for caste-wise enumeration across India.

While speaking to reporters in Bihar, senior JDU leader KC Tyagi said, "A section of voters has been upset over the Agniveer scheme. Our party wants those shortcomings which have been questioned by the public to be discussed in detail and removed."

"On UCC, as the national president of the party, CM had written to the Law Commission chief. We are not against it but a solution should be found by talking to all stakeholders."

While asking about the caste census, Tyagi said, "None of the parties rejected the caste survey. Bihar lead the way. PM (Modi) also didn't oppose this in the delegation meeting. The caste survey is everyone's demand, and we will pursue it."