BC Leaders Protest Against Caste Census in Telangana
Leaders from the Backward Classes (BC) community staged a protest in Mahabubnagar on Saturday, accusing the Congress party of manipulating the recent caste census. Led by BC Bahujan Rajyadhikara Samithi President Maitri Yadayya, the protesters submitted a petition at the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, demanding 42% reservation for BCs.
Speaking to the media, Yadayya alleged that Congress had deliberately undercounted the BC population as part of a political conspiracy. He expressed concern that even after the formation of Telangana, BCs continue to face discrimination, while powerful communities dominate governance.
He criticized political parties for treating BCs as a vote bank and using welfare schemes to gain their support, instead of ensuring fair representation in education and jobs. He also pointed out that globalization and political interference are harming BCs’ traditional occupations, forcing them into labor jobs and migration.
Mettukadi Prabhakar Mudiraj, District President of the Mudiraj Sangham, condemned Congress leaders for failing to stand by journalist-activist Teenmaar Mallanna when he was questioned. He warned that if the Congress does not correct the caste census and ensure proper reservation for BCs, the party will face consequences in the upcoming local body elections.
Shivanna, District President of the Rajaka Reservation Committee, called the alleged underreporting of BCs in the census a “grave injustice.” He stated that BCs will express their dissatisfaction through their votes, proving their numerical strength in the elections.
Other community leaders, including Korivi Krishnaswamy and Patel Rakesh, reminded Congress that BCs played a major role in defeating the previous TRS government. They warned that ignoring BC concerns could be a big mistake for the ruling party.
Bukka Mohan Babu, a TRS leader, accused Congress of manipulating the census data to weaken 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 people were opposing a review of the figures and urged BC leaders to stand with Mallanna to ensure accurate representation.
Several BC leaders, including Kadiri Anjayya, Madiwala Nagesh, Ravi Kumar, and Balraj, also participated in the protest.
