The scheduled commencement of the Caste Census programme on November 27 has been pushed back to December 10, as announced by Chelluboina Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna, the State BC Welfare Minister. Minister Krishna highlighted Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s prioritization of Backward Classes, considering them as the backbone of society. This decision marks the inaugural Caste Census in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of Backward Classes.
Minister Krishna revealed that the government engaged in roundtable discussions across various regions, seeking input from stakeholders on the Caste Census. He assured that the suggestions received from diverse sections of society would be duly considered. Speaking to the media on Friday, the Minister took the opportunity to criticize TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of inhuman treatment of BCs during the TDP government. He recalled Naidu’s controversial remarks about peeling the skin and cutting the tails of BCs, emphasizing the anti-BC mindset of the former chief minister.
Minister Krishna asserted that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in contrast, has accorded top priority to BCs, treating them as brothers and sisters. He commended CM Jagan for implementing BC-friendly measures, and turning into an advocate for social empowerment. The Minister lauded CM Jagan as the only Chief Minister successfully practicing social justice in the country, emphasizing the prioritization of SC, ST, BC, and Minorities in legislative bodies, along with the inclusion of reservation for women.
Addressing the opposition’s stance on the Caste Census, Minister Krishna accused the TDP of attempting to obstruct the process due to potential damage to their party. He specifically criticised Naidu for spreading misinformation and discouraging volunteers from participating in the census. Dismissing the TDP’s objections, the Minister declared that the upcoming Caste Census would be a historic undertaking.
Minister Krishna disclosed that the government conducted five regional meetings and sought suggestions at the district level. Additionally, meetings at the mandal level are planned to gather input from various segments of society. He alleged that the TDP, out of concern for their political standing, is attempting to create obstacles to the Caste Census. He labeled prominent opposition figures, including Chandrababu, Nara Lokesh, Pawan Kalyan, Ramoji Rao, and Radhakrishna, as purveyors of misinformation, asserting that they stand as “six forms of liars” spreading falsehoods about BCs and the caste census.
Regarding the delay in the Caste Census, Minister Krishna explained, “We wanted to conduct the Caste Census from the 27th of this month but postponed it by a few more days.” He clarified that the delay of ten days is due to the consideration of suggestions from various levels and a review of the caste census conducted in Bihar, incorporating relevant factors into the Andhra Pradesh census planning. The Minister affirmed that the Caste Census would proceed as scheduled from December 10, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive approach to this historic initiative.
