Amaravati, Feb 4: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Y. S. Sharmila has urged the TDP-led NDA government in the state to initiate a caste census, drawing inspiration from the successful exercise conducted in neighbouring Telangana. Sharmila termed Telangana’s caste enumeration as a "historic" step, calling it an exemplary model for the nation. She also credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s vision for the progress, highlighting its significance for the country’s future.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sharmila emphasized the need for a similar caste census in Andhra Pradesh, which has a population of 5.5 crore. She said the census should identify the proportion of backward classes, as well as individuals from weaker sections who face caste-based discrimination.
“Just like Telangana, a caste census in Andhra Pradesh will shed light on the number of backward and weaker section people,” Sharmila stated. She pointed out that the caste composition in Telangana, which includes 56% backward classes (BCs), 17% Scheduled Castes (SCs), and 10% Scheduled Tribes (STs), is an indicator of the state's demographics. According to Sharmila, the population distribution in Andhra Pradesh is likely similar.
The APCC President also made a strong appeal for reservations in politics, education, and employment based on population proportions. She called on the ruling alliance in Andhra Pradesh, which includes the TDP, BJP, and Janasena, to follow Telangana’s lead and conduct the caste enumeration promptly.
Sharmila further criticized the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government for allegedly suppressing the caste census before the 2024 elections. She accused BJP’s "foster son," former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, of stifling the survey under BJP's influence. "While Rahul Gandhi is advocating for a nationwide caste census, the BJP is misleading the public by claiming the demand will rescind reservations," Sharmila added.
In addition to Sharmila, APCC Vice President Kolanukonda Sivaji, who is also a BC leader, echoed similar sentiments. He reminded the ruling alliance of the promise made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during the 2024 election campaign—specifically, the commitment to increase BC reservations to 40% before the next local body elections. Sivaji stressed that BC communities across the country were mobilizing for their rightful share in politics, education, and employment based on their population proportion.
"Chandrababu Naidu needs to remember this promise. BC communities are well-aware of their rights and are ready to claim their fair share," Sivaji asserted.
Sivaji also pointed to the Mandal Commission’s identification of 50% BCs in Andhra Pradesh, urging the TDP to begin planning the caste survey and specifically define the Most Backward Class (MBC) category. "Without knowing the numerical strength of social groups, the benefits of welfare programs cannot be distributed fairly," he emphasized.
Finally, Sivaji raised concerns over the absence of a dedicated ministry for BCs at the central government level. He called for 50% reservations for BCs and the creation of a sub-quota for BC women within the 33% reservation allocated to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Both Sharmila and Sivaji pressed for immediate action on the caste survey, urging the Andhra Pradesh assembly to convene as soon as possible and take a decisive step on the issue.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sharmila emphasized the need for a similar caste census in Andhra Pradesh, which has a population of 5.5 crore. She said the census should identify the proportion of backward classes, as well as individuals from weaker sections who face caste-based discrimination.
“Just like Telangana, a caste census in Andhra Pradesh will shed light on the number of backward and weaker section people,” Sharmila stated. She pointed out that the caste composition in Telangana, which includes 56% backward classes (BCs), 17% Scheduled Castes (SCs), and 10% Scheduled Tribes (STs), is an indicator of the state's demographics. According to Sharmila, the population distribution in Andhra Pradesh is likely similar.
The APCC President also made a strong appeal for reservations in politics, education, and employment based on population proportions. She called on the ruling alliance in Andhra Pradesh, which includes the TDP, BJP, and Janasena, to follow Telangana’s lead and conduct the caste enumeration promptly.
Sharmila further criticized the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government for allegedly suppressing the caste census before the 2024 elections. She accused BJP’s "foster son," former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, of stifling the survey under BJP's influence. "While Rahul Gandhi is advocating for a nationwide caste census, the BJP is misleading the public by claiming the demand will rescind reservations," Sharmila added.
In addition to Sharmila, APCC Vice President Kolanukonda Sivaji, who is also a BC leader, echoed similar sentiments. He reminded the ruling alliance of the promise made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during the 2024 election campaign—specifically, the commitment to increase BC reservations to 40% before the next local body elections. Sivaji stressed that BC communities across the country were mobilizing for their rightful share in politics, education, and employment based on their population proportion.
"Chandrababu Naidu needs to remember this promise. BC communities are well-aware of their rights and are ready to claim their fair share," Sivaji asserted.
Sivaji also pointed to the Mandal Commission’s identification of 50% BCs in Andhra Pradesh, urging the TDP to begin planning the caste survey and specifically define the Most Backward Class (MBC) category. "Without knowing the numerical strength of social groups, the benefits of welfare programs cannot be distributed fairly," he emphasized.
Finally, Sivaji raised concerns over the absence of a dedicated ministry for BCs at the central government level. He called for 50% reservations for BCs and the creation of a sub-quota for BC women within the 33% reservation allocated to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Both Sharmila and Sivaji pressed for immediate action on the caste survey, urging the Andhra Pradesh assembly to convene as soon as possible and take a decisive step on the issue.
