Srinivas Goud criticises Congress over BC Census and reservations

Goud pointed out that the Congress party had promised 42 percent reservations in local bodies but has only recently set up a BC Commission to count the BC population

Hyderabad: The mistakes made in the conduct of the caste census in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are going to be repeated in Telangana and this would not be appropriate, said former minister V. Srinivas Goud on Saturday.

Addressing a news conference at Telangana Bhavan, he criticized the Congress party for its handling of the BC (Backward Classes) census and reservations. Highlighting several issues and concerns regarding the Congress party’s promises and actions, Goud pointed out that the Congress party had promised 42 percent reservations in local bodies but has only recently set up a BC Commission to count the BC population.

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He noted that the High Court had suggested setting up a special commission for the caste census, but the Congress government was conducting the survey without making proper law in support of the exercise.

“There is a lot of confusion with two different GOs (Government Orders) issued in this regard, and there is a risk of further delays, causing anxiety among the marginalized communities,” he said. Goud criticized Rahul Gandhi’s statement comparing the caste census to an X-ray, while asserting that their approach is more like an MRI. He emphasized the need for an accurate census of castes and sub-castes and urged that it be conducted carefully to avoid mistakes.

He also expressed concern that district collectors were not paying attention to the BC Commission’s tours and demanded action against officials who disrespect the commission. Goud called for the BC caste census to be conducted meticulously according to Articles 342 and 243 of the Constitution, with all legal precautions taken.