KTR Demands Immediate Caste Census in Telangana, Warns of Statewide Protests

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao has called for an immediate caste census in Telangana, emphasizing the need for urgent action from the Congress government. He demands that a legislation be passed to ensure 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections, a promise made by the Congress in its BC Declaration. Rama Rao, addressing BRS BC leaders and representatives from various associations, warned of statewide protests if these demands are not met by November 10.

During a three-and-a-half-hour meeting at Telangana Bhavan, Rama Rao criticized the Congress government for failing to honor commitments made to the BC community, particularly in terms of budget allocations. While the Congress had pledged Rs 1 lakh crore for BC welfare over five years, only Rs 8,000 crore has been allocated in the current financial year. He demanded at least Rs 25,000-30,000 crore in the upcoming budget and called for the formation of a dedicated department for BCs, along with the appointment of a Minister for Most Backward Classes (MBCs).

Rama Rao also highlighted issues like the suicide of 22 weavers and disruptions in fishling distribution, both of which have adversely impacted vulnerable communities. He stressed that the BRS has historically allocated more political representation to BCs, with 27 BC leaders appointed as corporation chairpersons and four BC members sent to the Rajya Sabha. He further noted that former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao had successfully conducted a family survey in 24 hours, suggesting that a caste census could be easily achieved if there was genuine political will.

The BRS plans to form working groups with senior BC leaders to address these issues and conduct field visits to assess the conditions of the weaker sections. Rama Rao concluded by asserting that the BRS would support the Congress government if it genuinely pursued a caste census, but warned of protests if no action is taken.

Here are the key points from BRS Working President KTR’s meeting with BC leaders at Telangana Bhavan:

KTR emphasized the need for an immediate comprehensive caste census.
Called for 42% reservation in local body elections to be legalized.
Warned of protests against the government if promises to the BC community aren’t fulfilled by November 10.
Party leaders will conduct field trips to address BC issues.
BRS has consistently advocated for BC rights.
Meeting lasted for three hours, with leaders from Telangana Sarpanch Association and MPTC District Association attending.
Focused on the Congress’s betrayal of weaker sections, as seen in the BC Declaration of Kamareddy.
BRS demands Congress fulfill every promise from the BC Declaration.
Reiterated the demand for a Rs 1 lakh crore allocation for BC welfare over five years, criticizing the current allocation of Rs 8,000 crore as insufficient.
Urged at least Rs 25,000-30,000 crore to be earmarked for BC welfare in the upcoming budget.
Demanded the formation of a separate branch for BCs and the appointment of a minister for MBCs.
Criticized the limited representation of BCs in the cabinet, calling for more ministerial positions for BC leaders.

బీఆర్ఎస్ పార్టీ బీసీ నేతలతో తెలంగాణ భవన్ లో సమావేశమైన బీఆర్ఎస్ వర్కింగ్ ప్రెసిడెంట్ @KTRBRS

ఈ సందర్భంగా కేటీఆర్ కామెంట్స్👇🏼

🔸సమగ్ర కుల గణన వెంటనే చేపట్టాలి

🔸స్థానిక ఎన్నికల్లో 42 శాతం రిజర్వేషన్లకు చట్టబద్దత కల్పించాలి.

🔸నవంబర్ 10 లోగా బీసీలకు ఇచ్చిన హామీలు నెరవేర్చకుంటే,… pic.twitter.com/WO5oBv333y
— BRS Party (@BRSparty) September 18, 2024