As Kanshiram ji had once opined, the problem of BCs is indeed problem of nation, because BCs, who have the lion’s share of the country’s population, do not get commensurate political representation, funds, jobs, and rights. If you look at Andhra Pradesh, the political rights of BC people are torn between two caste parties, said Bahujan Samaj Party State coordinator and Retd DGP, D Purnachandra Rao.
Dr Rao was addressing the meeting of BSP state-level leaders and BC unions, held in Vijayawada on Sunday. The Bahujan Samaj Party, along with state-level BC organisations will organize a Maha Dharna in Vijayawada on October 9, on Kanshiramji’s anniversary, with the demand for immediate implementation of caste census.
“In the last 16 elections held after India achieved Independence, the BCs were unfairly deprived of their proportionate representation in the Assembly. When their population constituted more than 50 percent, they should have rightfully had 1400-1500 MLAs. The truth is the number was not even 500.”
The answer to this injustice solely lies in the increase in the political representation of BCs. They should step into the Assembly, local bodies, nominated and other posts, in large numbers, while the due funding, reservations in education and jobs should be assured. This, along with the achieving of our rights is possible only when caste census is implemented.
“Why does TDP, which claims to be the party dedicated to the cause of BCs, not implement a caste census? It is just deceiving us with skill census. The political survival and representation of the BC castes is possible only if a caste census is done. With this demand, we are intensifying our crusade, beginning with the Mahadharna on October 9 in Vijayawada. This should exert tremendous pressure on the on the TDP government.
BSP State president B Paramjyothy called for the success of the mahadharna and felt there was no time left to ignore it. Earlier, the leaders of BSP and other BC unions unveiled the Mahadharna poster and Kulandhra Pradesh book written by Dr Rao. The book comprehensively captures the caste figures of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly since 1947.
