Telangana led way in caste census, BJP trying to derail BC empowerment: Ponnam Prabhakar
Speaking to the media at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi after a meeting with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi, Prabhakar said Rahul Gandhi had emphasised the need for a caste census during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and promised to implement it if voted to power. Telangana, he said, took the lead by initiating the caste census on February 4, 2024.
Despite delays due to the Lok Sabha elections, the state government successfully completed the enumeration with 3.5 crore people voluntarily participating. The collected data, comprising over 80 crore documents, was digitised, reviewed by a subcommittee, and approved by the state cabinet.
The resulting legislation to implement 42 per cent reservation for BCs in education and local bodies was passed and sent to the Governor, and later to the President for approval on April 30, 2025.
Prabhakar slammed Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and BJP leaders for opposing the bill and accused them of betraying the Backward Classes. 'What has BJP done more than us for BCs? Instead of supporting this historic move, they are trying to spread misinformation and dilute our efforts,' he said, citing BJP's past opposition to the Mandal Commission and social justice policies.
He also questioned why BJP, while claiming to support BCs, failed to appoint a BC as the Leader of the Opposition in Telangana or maintain BC leadership in their own party.
'Our Congress party stands as the brand ambassador of social justice. We are not blaming any party, but facts must be examined,' he said.
He urged BJP leaders to stop creating divisions and instead support the caste census and reservations for BCs. 'This is not just about Telangana, but a nationwide movement to ensure social justice,' he said, reiterating the Congress' commitment to fight for the rights of weaker sections.
Ministers Konda Surekha and Vakiti Srihari were also present during the interaction.
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