Telangana: Congress urges public to reject false claims linking caste census to NRC

Hyderabad: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin warned against misinformation being spread about the caste census in the State, specifically addressing attempts to create fear within the Muslim community by linking the census to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

‘No link between caste census and citizenship documentation’

Addressing a press conference with TPCC general secretary Zaheer Lalani at Gandhi Bhavan on Thursday, he emphasised that the caste census is unrelated to citizenship documentation, directly countering claims purportedly circulated by some BJP and RSS members.

Nizamuddin clarified that the census would include specific columns for minorities, particularly Muslims in the BC-E category, ensuring communities like Shaik, Qasab and Turka Kashavlu are represented.

“For our Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those in the BC-E category, selecting the right category in the official form is essential for accurate representation,” he stated, urging citizens not to be swayed by fake survey forms or fear-based propaganda.

He commended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s pledge to conduct a nationwide caste census as part of a larger mission to achieve equality and social justice.

“This is not just a survey; it’s a crucial step toward a fairer India,” he asserted, recognising the efforts of Telangana Congress leaders, including chief minister A Revanth Reddy, deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, for proactively advancing this cause.

Erasing limits on reservations

He reiterated Congress’s support for Rahul Gandhi’s vision to lift the 50 per cent cap on reservations, seeking fair representation across all sectors, from boardrooms to judiciary, armed forces, and media.

“This bold initiative aims to empower marginalised communities - Dalits, Adivasis, women, OBCs, and minorities - who have historically been disadvantaged by outdated structures,” he added.

Active participation from civil society to better census process

Syed Nizamuddin assured that the Congress would work collaboratively with civil society, affected communities and experts, refining the census process through constant dialogue.

“Our collaborative approach will ensure that the census not only meets the needs of the communities it represents but also stands as a true record of the discrimination they face,” he affirmed.

He appealed to all citizens to actively participate in this historic census, describing it as a vital opportunity to create a more inclusive Telangana. He further cautioned against using fake forms and reassured the public that only authorised enumerators with official documents would conduct the survey.

“Let us not be misled by diversions. The census will be handled by official personnel, and citizens must cooperate to ensure fair and accurate representation,” he said.

“For our Muslim brothers and sisters, accurate data entry is essential,” he said, urging those in communities like Shaik, Qasab and Turka Kashavlu to complete the form correctly, with appropriate codes for those outside BC-E categories. He stressed that their participation would help create a more representative and inclusive India.

Syed Nizamuddin stated, “Rahul Gandhi’s leadership in this effort reflects Congress’s long-standing dedication to social justice. We will not rest until we achieve our vision of an inclusive India where every community is seen, heard and empowered.”