Bhatti slams BJP for criticising Telangana caste survey, plans to seek cross-party support

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the Telangana Caste Survey was conducted by adhering to scientific standards.

The deputy CM came out strongly after the Telangana BJP reportedly criticised the implementation of the survey.

Congress leaders in Telangana have condemned how the BJP has raised issues on the methods of caste survey. Several leaders strongly criticised the intent of the objections.

‘Telangana caste survey getting nationwide recognition’

He elaborated on the chronology of events leading up to the survey, underlining the transparent scientific approach adopted by the government. He stated that the ‘Telangana Model’ of caste-based socio-economic data collection is now drawing nationwide attention and appreciation for its inclusive and data-driven methodology.

Deputy CM Bhatti attributed the conceptual foundation of the survey to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said that it was Rahul Gandhi’s idea to initiate such a survey in Telangana, and this has now had a ripple effect at the national level, prompting the Union Government to consider including caste-related data in the upcoming national census.

‘Centre following Telangana’s example’

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said there was no need for a caste census survey, has decided to conduct a caste census along with the population census. The Telangana State government has completed the caste census survey systematically and successfully,” he said.

Report from independent committee submitted to government

The Independent Expert Working Group (IEWG) constituted by the State government to study the Socio-Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste Survey (SEEEPC survey) submitted a comprehensive report on its findings to chief minister A Revanth Reddy. The committee said it adopted a scientific methodology to find insights into the caste survey data, which will help the government in enabling social justice, social empowerment and social uplift.

“The findings of the survey will help the government in formulating policies and streamlining and bettering existing ones to better enable social justice, social empowerment and social uplift,” the committee said in a statement.

Seeking support across party lines

The deputy chief minister also informed the media that a high-level delegation, led by chief minister A Revanth Reddy and comprising key ministers, including himself, will visit New Delhi on Thursday. The delegation aims to brief the Congress central leadership on the modalities and execution of the caste survey in Telangana.

In addition, the delegation will meet Members of Parliament across party lines to garner support.

“In the backdrop of the ongoing Parliament sessions, we are going to Delhi to gather the support of all political parties, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs to provide 42 per cent reservation for BCs under the leadership of CM Revanth Reddy,” he said.

The State Government is committed to championing the cause of social justice and equitable development through informed policymaking based on comprehensive data, he added.