Rahul: Telangana needs caste census for X-ray of population; KCR’s rule creates anarchy

Telangana: On the second day of his tour of Telangana, addressing the people in Kataram, Bhupalpally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his commitment to conduct a caste census in Telangana once his party comes to power. He urged the people to question chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s stance on this issue.

Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Telangana, ahead of the state Assembly elections on November 30.

On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi emphasised that this election symbolises a battle between ‘Dorala Telangana (rulers of Telangana)’ and ‘Prajala Telangana’ (people of Telangana), highlighting the conflict between anarchy and the people’s interests. He criticised the current administration for distancing itself from the people and claimed that only the ruling family holds power.

‘BJP benefits from AIMIM and BRS’

He alleged that Telangana has the highest corruption rate in India, which is particularly affecting the youth and women. Rahul Gandhi also alleged collaborations between BJP, BRS, and AIMIM, with all these parties targeting Congress.

Furthermore, he raised concerns about the absence of cases against KCR while opposition parties are facing legal action, questioning the fairness of the situation. He suggested that the BJP benefits from MIM’s support in various states where Congress is in competition.

Gandhi stressed the importance of a caste census, comparing it to an X-ray that reveals the demographics of different communities, allowing for more equitable budget allocation. He criticised the low representation of OBCs in the government and budget allocation, contrasting it with ‘favours for powerful figures.’

‘Unfulfilled promises’

He said that Congress has initiated caste census surveys in other states and promised to do the same in Telangana when in power. This, he claimed, would expose the alleged misappropriation of resources by KCR’s family.

Gandhi reminded the audience of KCR’s unfulfilled promise of providing three acres of land to Dalits and proposed a scheme called Mahalakshmi to support women.

He urged the people to question both prime minister Narendra Modi and CM KCR about their intentions regarding the caste census. Gandhi also emphasised Congress’ track record in fulfilling promises, including the creation of Telangana.

Finally, he expressed his strong connection with the people of Telangana, portraying it as one of love and affection, contrasting it with what he saw as political relationships between KCR and Modi. Gandhi assured that he would continue to serve the people of Telangana from Delhi.

Rahul interacts with Singareni workers

During his visit to Peddapally, Rahul Gandhi had a 20-minute conversation with Singareni coal mine workers in Ladanapur village. He promised to champion their concerns if his party came to power.

The workers appealed to him to halt the privatization of coal mines.

Furthermore, Rahul Gandhi committed to providing income tax exemptions to Singareni workers and promoting the development of Singareni mines in the event of his party's victory in the state.