HYDERABAD: Telangana’s Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar criticised Bandi Sanjay on Wednesday over his opposition to the inclusion of Muslims in the Backward Classes (BC) category. Speaking to the media, Prabhakar urged Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders to actively support the caste census in Telangana, emphasising its role in accurately representing the state’s demographic composition. He also called upon Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao to participate in the survey.
Prabhakar highlighted that the government has extended the caste census until February 28, allowing those who have not yet registered to complete their details. He encouraged all unregistered individuals to take advantage of this extension, noting that the survey provides multiple submission methods to ensure broad participation.
Responding to Bandi Sanjay’s remarks, Prabhakar criticised his stance as politically motivated. He asserted that Sanjay, as a Union Minister, should facilitate the approval of the forthcoming legislation in the Assembly, which aims to address reservations for BCs. The minister also accused the BJP of historically opposing reservation policies, citing the party’s stance during the Mandal Commission era.
The minister’s statements highlight the ongoing political debate over the caste census and reservation policies in Telangana, underscoring the differing viewpoints among state leaders on these key social issues.
