The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) today called for that caste-based census be declared unconstitutional and replaced by a census based on line of poverty.

RLD national secretary Mankunnil Suresh said, ''Even after 63 years of Independence, India is facing problem of interference of caste and religion in developmental activities including politics.''

He added that after such a survey, each political party will focus castes which are in majority. It will be a reason for internal strife among different castes.

He also stated that the census could rather be on the basis of poverty level that would assist the administration in distribution of ration and other helps.

The demand for a caste linked query in the Census had been aroused by the Yadav trio--Sharad, Mulayam and Lalu-- and was backed by the BJP, some UPA allies and even some segments of the Congress. (With Inputs from Agencies)