Vijayawada: Casteist slur lands RTC chief in row
My intention was to correctly guide the boy, who was misusing his mobile, said Mr Ramaiah.
Vijayawada: APSRTC chairman Varla Ramaiah on Thursday landed himself in a controversy through his observations on the educational competency of Madigas.
While inspecting buses in Machilipatnam on Thursday, the newly sworn-in RTC chairman found a young passenger talking over his phone unmindful of the inspection.
The chairman sought to know the person’s caste identity. When he found that the passenger was from the Madiga community, Mr Ramaiah chided him observing that “Madiga’s will not study well. This fellow will not be useful to his father.” He also asked the passenger to take up the work of a manual labour to help his family.
Though his remarks created an uproar, Mr Ramaiah defended his action.
“My intention was to correctly guide the boy, who was misusing his mobile. While his parents are working hard for him, he is wasting his time. I have instructed him to help the family and not waste time. I mentioned his caste name only for education. My wish is that all of them should study well and help their parents,” he explained.