HYDERABAD: The chorus for an increasing share of seats for BC community candidates is rising within the Congress.
Speaking with mediapersons here on Saturday, TPCC working president Mahesh Kumar Goud said, “Seats to be given to BCs should be identified and strengthened. Moreover, they should not be given at a later stage as that could spoil their prospects given that they will be short of time to meet voters. Campaigning will take a big hit.
“TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy should stand for social justice. We are asking for 34 seats. We had given 31 seats to BCs in 2014,” he added.
It may be recalled that former PCC V. Hanumantha Rao has been raising the issue of share of reservations in accordance with their population. He has been batting for caste census and 50 per cent seats in the 119-strong Assembly.
There has not been a chief minister from the BC communities in the Telugu states so far. The united state has had Chief Minister Damodaram Sanjivayya from among the Scheduled Caste communities, from 1960 to 1962.
The hopes of BC community candidates also gained significance in the backdrop of Congress ruled states like Karnataka and Rajasthan having Chief Minsiters from the community.
Senior leader Ponnam Prabhakar said, “Congress stands for social justice. We will seek votes from the backward communities. Rather than merely giving money, if we develop their skills and provide livelihood opportunities, the BC youth will stand to benefit.”
