Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP never opposed the idea of caste census, but it would make an appropriate decision on it after consulting everyone.

Shah was talking to the media at the launch of the party’s manifesto for Chhattisgarh Assembly elections at Kushabhau Thakre Parisar, the BJP’s state office.

When asked about the ruling Congress’ 17 poll guarantees, including caste census in the state, Shah said, “We are a national party and we don’t do politics of votes on this issue. We will take the appropriate decision after consulting everyone and tell about it. But contesting polls on its basis is not correct.”

“BJP has never opposed this (caste census), but decisions have to be taken very thoughtfully. We will tell at the appropriate time,” the senior bJP leader added.

His remarks came amid demand by opposition to conduct caste census across the country.

The Congress has promised to carry out a caste census in Chhattisgarh if it retains power in the state. The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar last month released its caste survey data.

(With inputs from PTI)