Modi rejected Nitish's demand for a caste-based census from Patna University

Patna, Dt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not complied with the wishes of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar by explicitly denying the caste-based census in the country in the Supreme Court. However, this is not the first time that Modi has rejected Nitish Kumar's demand. Earlier, Nitish Kumar had joined hands with Modi in a public forum to request Patna University to be given the status of a central university. But Modi also rejected his demand. For the caste-based census, Nitish arrived in Delhi with a team of 10 members. However, Nitish and Lalu are likely to come closer once again in Bihar after the Centre's refusal.

The Modi government has dealt another blow to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is campaigning for a caste-based census as the country prepares for a census next year. The central government has made it clear in the Supreme Court that the current caste-based census is not possible. This is a policy decision. No indication is given in this regard. On the issue of caste-based census, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met PM Modi in Delhi with a delegation of 10 parties and described its benefits. However, the central government has rejected Nitish Kumar's demand.

Earlier, PM Modi had reached Patna on October 19, 2016 to attend the centenary celebrations of Patna University. Welcoming him, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that PM Modi is the first Prime Minister of the country to attend a program at Patna University. He joined hands from the platform and demanded that Prime Minister Modi announce the status of Central University to Patna University.

Without saying anything clear about Nitish's demand, PM Modi made some other announcements. Even after four years, Patna University could not become a Central University or even in the top 20 universities. PM Modi praised the history of Patna University, but did not meet the demand made by Nitish Kumar.

In fact, the animosity between Nitish Kumar and Modi is very old. In 2014, Nitish Kumar was annoyed when the then Chief Minister of Gujarat was declared the BJP's prime ministerial candidate. Nitish Kumar, who has been with the BJP for 15 years, broke the alliance on June 12, 2014 in the name of Narendra Modi. He was then the Chief Minister of Bihar. Besides, the luncheon held at the CM's residence was also canceled by Nitish Kumar in Modi's name. Nitish had joined hands with Lalu Yadav to save the chair after splitting with the BJP. Both parties were successful and Lalu Yadav's party returned to power after 15 years. However, after falling out with Lalu's family in 2014, Nitish broke with the JDU and rejoined the BJP. However, now with the Centre's outright refusal on the issue of caste-based census, Nitish and Lalu Prasad Yadav are likely to come closer again.