Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor on Thursday while exclusively talking to Republic hit out at Rahul Gandhi over his unawareness regarding the caste data of Bihar and said that the Congress scion is detached from the roots. Reacting on Rahul Gandhi’s sudden demand to conduct a nation-wide caste-census, the poll strategist launched a jibe at the Congress leader and mocked him for his knowledge on Bihar's caste population. 

Speaking to Republic, the poll strategist said, “After the caste survey of Bihar was out, Rahul Gandhi tweeted that around 85% population in Bihar belongs to backward and Dalit communities, this clearly shows how detached he is from the roots. What's new about it? Everyone knows the caste scenario of Bihar.”

“But if Rahul Gandhi suddenly becomes aware of caste data after the survey, it might help him understand why the Congress is in such a bad condition in Bihar,” he added. 

Kishor on next PM

Responding to a question on who was a better candidate for the Prime Minister’s position - Kejriwal, Mamata, Nitish or Rahul - Kishor replied saying that the decision is in the hands of the people of the country. However, he suggested Rahul Gandhi should vacate the position of the face of the Opposition and give someone else a chance as he had failed to have any impact despite given multiple chances.

“The people will be deciding who will be the better candidate. As per the surveys, Rahul Gandhi should be the face of the Opposition,” Kishor told Republic. “But as per my suggestion, there should be one condition, you become the face of the opposition but if you are not able to help the party win then vacant the place for someone else. It's not right to take a permanent seat and keep trying every time despite failing,” he added. 

Rahul Gandhi on Bihar census 

Issuing his response on the caste data of Bihar, Rahul Gandhi welcomed the Nitish Government’s caste census and urged the central government to conduct a similar exercise at the national level.

Proclaiming his support for Nitish government’s caste census, Rahul Gandhi said Bihar's survey revealed that 84 per cent of people in the state are Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). He further asserted that their rights should be provided based on their population.

The Bihar government on October 2 released the findings of its much-awaited caste census months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls elections. The survey revealed that OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) constitute a whopping 63 per cent of the state’s total population.