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Hyderabad: While caste is increasingly shaping the political discourse in Telangana, especially following the state’s comprehensive caste survey, the Vysya community, a significant forward caste, is now demanding political reservations proportional to their population.
In addition to this, they are pushing for a recalibration of economically weaker section reservations, advocating for a system that accounts for each community’s socio-economic, educational, and political standing. As caste-based politics gains momentum, the Vysya community is making its case for fair political representation and a more inclusive approach to reservation policies.
Political analysts say that while the Reddy and Kamma communities were the dominant political forces in undivided Andhra Pradesh, the dynamics has shifted in Telangana after the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, led by K Chandrasekhar Rao from the Velama community, came to power.
“Telangana is witnessing increased caste-based politics compared to before. Politics around caste has intensified even at the national level after Rahul Gandhi raised the slogan, ‘Jiski jitni bhagidari, uski utni hisedari,’ a counter to BJP’s religion-based politics. Now, every caste is pushing for a share of political power based on their population and socio-economic status,” said political observer S Ramakrishna.
According to the Samagra Kutumba Survey conducted by the previous BRS govt, the Vysya community’s population in Telangana is approximately 4%. The Congress govt’s caste survey is yet to release data on the Vysya or other forward castes.
Kacham Satyanarayana Gupta, chairman of Vysya Vikasa Vedika, however, expressed the community’s frustration. “It’s time political parties recognised the Vysya community’s contribution to the economy and provided fair political representation. Our fight for political rights is inspired by the SC categorisation movement led by Manda Krishna Madiga,” he said.
Reddy, Kamma, and Velama are dominant castes in the Telugu states, followed by the Kapus. Regardless of the outcome of any national debate over the 50% reservation cap or what the Supreme Court decides on each case’s scientific data, caste will continue to play a major role in Telangana politics, experts point out.
Historically, the Vysya community has not had political representation on a par with their contributions. While Konijeti Rosaiah, who was chief minister of the undivided state, was from the Vysya community, there is currently no leader of his stature in Telangana’s political landscape from the community.
Meanwhile, the Vysya community is demanding that their population percentage be made public, with political representation based on that figure—whether it’s 2%, 4%, or otherwise. If their demands are not met, this influential business community plans to launch a sustained campaign for their rightful share of political power.
