BC community leaders in Mahabubnagar staged a protest on Saturday, accusing the Congress party of manipulating the recent caste census. They claimed that the Backward Classes (BCs) were underrepresented in the count. Led by BC Bahujan Rajyadhikara Samithi President Maitri Yadayya, the leaders submitted a petition at the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, demanding 42% reservation for BCs.
Speaking to the media, Yadaiah accused Congress of deliberately reducing the BC population count, calling it a political conspiracy. He expressed concern that even after the formation of Telangana, BCs continue to face discrimination. He stated that powerful communities still dominate governance, while weaker sections remain neglected.
He also criticized political parties for treating BCs as a vote bank. He claimed that they use welfare schemes to attract BC voters but deny them fair opportunities in education and employment. He further said that globalization and political interference are forcing BCs to abandon their traditional occupations and take up labor jobs or migrate elsewhere.
Mettukadi Prabhakar Mudiraj, District President of the Mudiraj Sangham, criticized Congress leaders for not supporting journalist-activist Teenmaar Mallanna when he was questioned. He warned that if Congress does not correct the caste census and provide proper reservations for BCs, the party will face consequences in the upcoming local body elections.
Shivanna, District President of the Rajaka Reservation Committee, also condemned the alleged underreporting of BCs in the census. He called it a “grave injustice” and stated that BCs would respond through their votes in the elections, showing their true numerical strength.
Other BC leaders, including Korivi Krishnaswamy and Patel Rakesh, reminded Congress that BCs played a key role in bringing down the previous BRS government. They warned that neglecting BC concerns could be a costly mistake for the ruling party.
BRS leader Bukka Mohan Babu also criticized Congress for allegedly manipulating the census data to reduce BC representation. He warned that if BCs unite, they could challenge the dominance of the Reddy community in the upcoming elections.
Supporters of Teenmaar Mallanna, led by Ravi, demanded a re-survey of the caste census. They questioned why some leaders were opposing a review of the figures. They urged BC leaders to stand by Mallanna to ensure accurate representation in the census.
Several BC community leaders, including Kadiri Anjayya, Madiwala Nagesh, Ravi Kumar, and Balraj, participated in the protest to voice their concerns.
