BC leaders stage protest seeking nationwide caste census

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Leaders of several political parties and Backward Classes (BC) organisations staged a black-flag protest at Gun Park in Hyderabad on Sunday, demanding that the Central government conduct a nationwide caste census.

The protest was organised by the BC Welfare Association during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Telangana visit. Demonstrators accused the BJP-led Centre of failing to fulfil promises made to BC communities and alleged that the government was deliberately avoiding caste enumeration in the national census.

Addressing the gathering, BC Welfare Association national president and BC JAC chairman Jajula Srinivas Goud said the Centre had not responded to questions raised by BC organisations regarding the caste census. He alleged that despite claiming commitment towards BC welfare, the BJP government had ignored the long-pending demand for comprehensive caste data.

Srinivas Goud warned that the ongoing protests were only the beginning and said BC organisations would intensify their agitation if the Centre continued to delay the issue. He stated that protests were held in several districts across Telangana to register opposition during the Prime Minister’s visit.

Telangana Jana Samithi president and MLC Prof. Kodandaram said the aspirations of BC communities should be respected in a democracy and accused the BJP government of failing to address their concerns. Shadnagar MLA and Congress OBC Cell chairman Veerlapalli Shankar extended support to the caste census demand and said BC communities across the country were united on the issue.

BRS, CPI and CPM leaders, along with BC welfare activists and public representatives, also participated in the protest.