Focus on Caste Census demand: Congress to launch month-long OBC outreach campaign in UP today
In a bid to woo the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Uttar Pradesh, particularly the Most Backward Classes (MBCs) such as the Nishad community, and to press for a caste-based census, the Congress will on Saturday launch a month-long outreach campaign across
the state.
Titled Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan: Jatigat Jangarna, Haq Hai Hamara, the campaign will kick off on Saturday, with All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Avinash Pande inaugurating the programme in Lucknow. Pande arrived in the state capital on Friday night and will camp in the city till June 19 to oversee the party's ongoing reorganisation efforts in Uttar Pradesh.
Congress leaders said the campaign, scheduled from June 14 to July 14, will include extensive awareness drives in both rural and urban areas.
Activities will feature the Bhagidari Nyay Padyatra at district headquarters, a 14-day outreach to college and university students, and discussions on key issues.
The issues on the agenda are alleged misuse of the 'Not Found Suitable' (NFS) tag in admissions, growing interference of student unions in universities, the deteriorating state of education and employment in the state, and the party's ongoing membership drive.
Additionally, the Congress will launch a village-level 'Chaupal' campaign, focusing on the demand for a caste-based census, an economic survey, and the push to raise the reservation cap beyond 50 per cent.
The party also plans to spotlight the alleged rise in contractual government appointments and will run targeted campaigns in Nishad-dominated regions, demanding the introduction of a River Rights Law for the community.
Meanwhile, Pande will conduct zonal review meetings during his six-day stay in Lucknow. He will hold one-on-one discussions with
district-level office bearers to assess progress in the party's reorganisation and resolve any pending issues.
The Uttar Pradesh Congress had revamped its district and city units earlier in March. It is now in the process of finalising district committees. However, a new state committee is yet to be announced. Party sources say the state unit has already submitted its recommendations to the AICC, but a final decision is still pending.
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