Amid Opposition's Caste Census Push, Amit Shah Says BJP Never Opposed Idea

Several BJP allies have also backed the demand for a caste census.

In a sign that the BJP may be softening its stand on the caste census, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the party has never opposed the idea, but would take a decision after extensive consultations. 

Mr Shah's statement comes a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition of trying to "divide the country in the name of caste" after Bihar had released the results of the caste survey, which had been backed by all parties in the state, including the Bihar unit of the BJP. He had called any attempt at creating a divide on caste lines a "sin".

Several other BJP leaders had also spoken out against the caste survey and questioned its methodology.