Hyderabad, Nov.9 (NSS):Minister for Transport and BC Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar has strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party’s stance on caste-based census and reservation policies, highlighting inconsistencies in its approach across various States in India.
Speaking at a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan here on Saturday, the Minister questioned the BJP’s interference in Jharkhand’s attempts to increase BC (Backward Class) reservations from 14 to 27 percent, where the BJP prevented the Governor’s approval of the Assembly-passed bill.
He accused the BJP of destabilising the Maharashtra government led by Uddhav Thackeray, which had initiated resolutions for caste-based enumeration.
Ponnam Prabhakar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership, including Amit Shah, for sending conflicting messages on caste-related issues.
He noted Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that the reservation cap in Jharkhand would be lifted if necessary, and pointed out BJP’s contradiction by referencing an RSS plenary session where it was declared that they were not opposed to caste census or extending reservations beyond 50 percent.
Highlighting BJP’s decision to replace the BC State president with a leader from the Reddy community in Telangana, Minister Ponnam claimed that it had contradicted promises made during elections.
He alleged that despite assurances of a BC chief ministerial candidate, BJP appointed a Reddy as the legislative party leader after securing only eight seats.
Ponnam reassured weaker sections of society that ongoing household surveys, aimed at gathering socioeconomic data, would benefit marginalised communities and help achieve social justice.
He also highlighted a lack of representation in UPSC, stating that only 3 out of 90 IAS officers were from BC communities due to Modi’s policies.
Ponnam Prabhakar emphasised the Telangana government’s transparency in conducting a similar survey and pledged to share the results in the public domain, unlike previous BRS government.
The Minister has urged BC, SC, and ST communities to stay vigilant regarding BJP’s policies, labeling it as a party that primarily serves the interests of the elite.
