Distancing the Shiv Sena from the BJP’s stand on the caste-based Census, Bal Thackeray on Thursday opposed it. However, ironically Mr Thackeray not only opposed the caste-based Census, but also went on to criticise the formation of lingual states in the country. The Sena supremo, whose party has survived over the last four decades as a champion of the “Marathi” cause was of the opinion that the linguistic divides caused fissures in the country.
Speaking at a book release function, which was held at his residence Matoshree, Mr Thackeray said that the caste-based Census would be detrimental to the country. “Are you going to finish off this country by creating disputes over caste? I am absolutely against this proposed caste-based census,” he said. When asked why he opposed the caste-based Census, he said, “We are already aware of the problems already created in the country by the formation of states based on language. Now, further classifying people based on caste will worsen those problems.”
He said there would be confusion while dealing with inter-caste marriages if the Census is carried out based on caste.