Hyderabad: Telangana Congress president and MLC B Mahesh Kumar Goud on Saturday emphasised the urgent need for unity among all Backward Classes (BCs) in the state. He stated that the time has come for these communities to rise above political boundaries and assert their rightful share in politics and all other sectors of society.Speaking at the launch of the book ‘OBC Porubata’ at Gandhi Bhavan, he pointed out the historical marginalisation of BCs, who, he said, had long been treated merely as vote banks. “Today, the BCs are demanding justice, representation, and their rightful share across all sectors,” he said.“BCs, SCs and STs represent 55% of the state cabinet led by chief minister A Revanth Reddy. Also, these communities, apart from minorities, represent 68% in the composition of vice presidents and general secretaries of the TPCC,” Goud said.Crediting Congress’ commitment to social justice, he cited the Centre’s decision to conduct a nationwide caste census as a major political milestone. “Telangana has become a national model by implementing the caste-based survey in a transparent and scientific manner under the leadership of chief minister Revanth Reddy, despite him being from the OC category,” Goud said.He highlighted that the very concept of the caste survey stemmed from Rahul Gandhi’s vision during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which helped him understand ground realities across India. A detailed presentation on the Telangana caste survey was earlier made to over 450 Congress representatives, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi by both Mahesh Goud himself, and later by chief minister Revanth.As per the Congress Kamareddy Declaration during the 2023 assembly polls, the current govt legislated 42% reservations for OBCs in education, employment, and political representation. “The BJP-led Central govt, which earlier opposed the caste census, has now announced its intention to conduct one alongside the general census—reflecting the impact of the Congress’ push for social justice,” he said.The TPCC chief urged BC communities to unite in pressing for legal backing of the BC bills and its inclusion in the IX Schedule of the Constitution. “The movement for the BC bill must transcend caste divisions and be driven by a collective spirit for equity and justice,” he added.
