Akhilesh Yadav attends Apna Dal (K) event; calls for caste census

Only caste census can put an end to inequality and ensure development of all in its truest form, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Sunday at an event organised by ally Apna Dal (K) to mark the birth anniversary of its founder Sonelal Patel.

Yadav reiterated his demand for a caste census on the same day Amit Shah in Lucknow also attended a programme held for Patel by the Anupriya Patel-led faction of the party. Shah highlighted work done by the BJP-led NDA government for OBCs, Dalits and tribals.

"The BJP's slogan is sabka saath, sabka vikaas. Will saying it alone ensure development of all? Will the coming together of everyone make sure all communities prosper? Inequality will end only when a caste census takes place and everyone gets their due according to their population," he said.


In a response to the NDA's show of strength, Yadav said the alliance does not stand a chance against 'PDA'- Picchde, Dalit aur Alpsankhyak (Backwards, Dalits and Minorities). Much like BJP, Yadav also tried to appropriate the legacy of Patel to reach out to the non-Yadav OBCs.