New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in campaigning activities in Telangana, the Congress party raised pertinent inquiries regarding his stance on the caste census, particularly following his commitment to establish a sub-quota for the Madiga caste. Expressing skepticism, the Congress General Secretary, Jairam Ramesh, underscored the necessity for clarity on this matter, questioning whether such assurances were merely rhetorical maneuvers.
In a statement posted on a social media platform, Ramesh sought accountability from the Prime Minister concerning the delayed implementation of key initiatives, notably the promised rail coach factory at Kazipet and the Bayyaram steel plant. He emphasized the discrepancy between promises made and actions taken, highlighting the absence of tangible progress despite prolonged commitments.
Ramesh underscored recent gestures by the Prime Minister towards the Madiga community, particularly the pledge for a sub-quota, which he deemed insufficient. He pointed out the lack of substantive measures, such as the establishment of a dedicated panel, to address the community’s demands effectively. Furthermore, he criticized the reluctance to endorse a socioeconomic caste census, which could provide essential insights into the socioeconomic landscape of the Madiga community.
In addition to the unresolved issues surrounding the Madiga sub-quota, Ramesh raised concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s reluctance to conduct a decadal census, including a comprehensive assessment of the Scheduled Castes population in Telangana. He juxtaposed the Congress party’s commitment to conducting such surveys nationally with the perceived negligence of the current administration towards data-driven governance.
Addressing the Prime Minister directly, Ramesh urged clarification on the proposal for a caste census and outlined the imperative of facilitating sub-quotas for marginalized communities within its framework. Employing the hashtag ‘ChuppiTodoPradhanMantriji’, he underscored the urgency of breaking the silence on these critical issues.
Furthermore, Ramesh scrutinized the BJP’s track record, particularly its failure to fulfill electoral promises, such as the establishment of a rail coach factory at Kazipet. He highlighted instances of policy reversals and unfulfilled commitments, citing the discrepancy between rhetoric and action in the realm of infrastructure development.
Regarding the Bayyaram Steel Plant and the Hyderabad Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR), Ramesh lamented their abandonment during the BJP’s tenure, despite their potential to catalyze economic growth and employment opportunities in Telangana. He criticized the prioritization of projects in other regions over those vital to Telangana’s development, questioning the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities under the current administration.
