PNS|Hyderabad
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy asserted that Telangana had set an ‘example’ for the nation by successfully conducting a caste census under the guidance of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and declared that Prime Minister Modi has now been compelled to adopt Rahul’s vision to ‘save’ his coalition government.
Addressing a press conference, Revanth said the caste census idea was born out of Rahul’s ‘deep’ connection with people during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
“Rahul ‘listened’ to the nation’s heartbeat. He described the caste census as an X-ray of society. As per his instruction, Telangana implemented this historic exercise and became a model for the country,” he said. The Chief Minister recalled that Telangana Assembly had passed two resolutions, one urging the Centre to conduct a caste census during the national census and another seeking the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations.
“We did not stop there. We staged a massive dharna along with BC groups at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The Centre finally bowed to us,” he said.
However, Revanth said the announcement was not enough. “The Prime Minister must clearly announce a deadline. The Centre should hold discussions with all parties and set up two committees, one with ministers and another with officials, to decide the modalities. Our government is ready to share our experience,” he said.
Giving details of Telangana’s survey, Revanth said, “We prepared detailed procedures, asked 57 questions on eight pages and ensured that all parties participated. This was not a party event, but a government programme. It is because of this inclusive approach that Telangana emerged at the forefront.”
The Chief Minister took sharp digs at the BJP, accusing the party of double standards.
“BJP-ruled states have no guts to conduct a caste census. They criticised us and are now forced to copy us. Modi is following Revanth’s policies. BJP leaders are frustrated,” he said.
He said it was only due to political compulsions at the Centre that the Modi government came forward to conduct the caste census now.
Welcoming the Centre’s move, he said, “We are happy that Rahul Gandhi’s idea is being implemented. Modi taking Rahul as an example is a delight. Mahatma Gandhi succeeded through peaceful movements. Rahul too is following his path and never gives up until the goal is achieved.”
Revanth concluded with a pointed remark. “Caste census is not just data collection. It is about justice and giving voice to the weaker sections. We are ready to work with anyone to take forward Rahul Gandhi’s vision.”
