New Delhi, May 1 -- CPI national general secretary D Raja has said that the Centre has decided to conduct a caste census due to the "consistent campaign" of the opposition parties. He also pointed out that his party was among the first to demand a caste census at the national level.

"The Communist Party of India has consistently demanded a caste census. Our party is one of the first parties in Bihar to support the caste census at the national level...Now, due to the consistent campaign conducted by opposition parties demanding a caste census, the government has finally agreed to have a caste census," Raja told ANI.

"The government should not think of playing politics on this issue. It must show its sincerity and political will to undert...