New Delhi, June 17 -- Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday questioned the intention of the BJP-led Union government over the caste census, accusing them of delaying the exercise earlier by citing COVID as an excuse.

On caste census, Congress leader Sachin Pilot told reporters, "BJP and PM Modi had earlier said that the demand for a caste census is being raised by 'Urban Naxals', and they even mentioned in parliament in writing that they do not want to conduct it. After pressure from the opposition, they suddenly accepted our demand. But the notification now says the census will be conducted in 2027.

He also questioned the budget allocation to start the exercise in 2027.

"Earlier, they delayed it using COVID as an excuse, and even no...