Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar clarified that the ongoing caste census from February 16 to 28 is not a re-survey but is being conducted for those who could not participate in the previous enumeration. He noted that many individuals had missed the earlier survey and had not submitted their details, leading to an extension of the deadline until February 28.
The minister stated that the caste census initiated by the Telangana government would serve as a model for other states. He criticized BRS leaders for making allegations against the survey despite not participating in it and urged them to take part, emphasizing that genuine commitment to democracy would be reflected in their involvement.
Targeting the BJP, Ponnam Prabhakar alleged that the party primarily represents corporate interests and opposes caste-based enumeration and the classification of BCs and SCs. He asserted that Telangana must implement reservations in accordance with public aspirations and announced that local body elections would be conducted soon after the survey’s completion.
He further accused BJP leaders of making political statements against BCs and Muslims, stating that economically weaker sections within the Muslim community remain part of the BC category. The minister also announced a special meeting to discuss the 42% reservation for BCs in local body elections. Urging the BJP to support the bill in the Assembly, he stated that the party should refrain from blocking it if it genuinely cares about marginalized communities.