Caste, BC groups demand quotas in local body polls
The chairman was conducting an empirical inquiry at the district collectorate, where leaders from different castes presented their memoranda
Nalgonda: Leaders representing various backward classes (BC) and caste groups submitted a representation to Telangana State BC Dedicated Commission chairman Busani Venkateshwara Rao on Saturday, seeking quotas in local elections based on their population.
The chairman was conducting an empirical inquiry at the district collectorate, where leaders from different castes presented their memoranda. Telangana State Besta Seva Sangam president G. Venkateshwarlu urged the commission to consider sub-castes like Bestha and Mudiraja as part of the fishermen community and allocate quotas accordingly. He noted that many Bestha caste members had shifted to other jobs due to limited livelihood opportunities in fishing. Venkateshwarlu emphasised the importance of accurately recording their caste as "Bestha" in the ongoing caste census for a precise population count.
Vishwa Brahmana Sangam leader K. Vishwanatham highlighted that their caste constitutes 6-7 per cent of the state’s population but lacks adequate representation in local bodies. He lauded the government's initiative to align quotas in local elections with population proportions and urged for reservations to improve their community's representation.
BC welfare association leader Alli Venu expressed concerns about attempts to hinder the ongoing BC census survey in the state. He pointed out that BCs comprise 69 per cent of the population but receive only 19 per cent reservation and called for quotas proportional to their population.
Leaders of Kummari Sangam mentioned that while their population in Nalgonda district is 60,000 to 70,000, only 1 per cent of them are still engaged in pottery, their traditional profession. Leaders of Padmashali, Nayi Brahmin, Vaddera, and other communities also submitted representations requesting reservations in local body elections based on their population.
In response, chairman Busani Venkateshwara Rao stated that the commission has collected opinions from BCs in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts. He acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of BC leaders and individuals, most of whom demanded proportional quotas in local body elections. Some leaders also proposed categorising castes into A, B, C, and D based on their professions.
The chairman assured that a comprehensive report will be submitted to the state government. Secretary of the commission B. Saidulu, additional district collector J. Srinivas, and additional superintendent of police B. Ramulu Naik were also present at the meeting.