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Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has asserted that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is deeply unsettled by the Congress government's initiatives in Telangana, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself to directly criticize the state government. This assertion underscores the escalating political tensions between the Congress-led Telangana government and the BJP at the national level. According to Reddy, Mr. Modi is experiencing significant pressure following the Telangana government's completion of a caste survey aimed at determining the population of Backward Classes (BCs). This survey, Reddy suggests, has triggered concerns within the BJP, particularly in anticipation of similar demands from other states, notably Bihar, where upcoming elections are poised to be highly contested. The potential ripple effect of the Telangana caste survey poses a considerable challenge to the BJP's political strategy and its efforts to maintain dominance across various states. The Chief Minister shared these insights with party leaders during a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on Tuesday, emphasizing the BJP's growing apprehension about being politically marginalized by the significant but fragmented BC population in North Indian states. Reddy contends that the BJP is attempting to deflect attention from these pressing issues, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally leading the charge to discredit the Congress government in Telangana. He pointed to Mr. Modi's recent remarks at a public gathering in Haryana concerning environmental concerns in Telangana as evidence of the BJP's deliberate strategy to undermine the Congress government's credibility. The Chief Minister emphasized that the BJP lacks a substantive response to the BC caste survey and the classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) designed to extend reservation benefits to marginalized segments within the SC community. The distribution of high-quality rice through the public distribution system (PDS) has reportedly fostered a positive perception of the government among the populace, which Reddy believes the BJP will seek to counterbalance by focusing on minor, less significant issues. Furthermore, a senior leader recalled the significant attention the BC caste survey in Telangana garnered from Congress leaders nationwide during a recent All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent advocate for BC surveys across the country, reportedly commended Mr. Reddy for his bold and proactive approach. On the sidelines of the AICC meeting, Mr. Reddy emerged as a central figure among BC leaders from various states, who engaged in discussions about the categorization process and its potential political ramifications. These leaders expressed a desire to replicate similar demands in their respective states, highlighting the growing momentum for caste-based surveys and their potential to reshape political dynamics across the country. Some leaders even expressed interest in visiting Telangana to gain a firsthand understanding of the survey methodology and adapt it for implementation in their own states, thereby exerting pressure on their respective governments. This narrative paints a picture of intense political maneuvering, with the Telangana government's initiatives triggering a significant response from the BJP at the national level. The focus on caste surveys and reservation policies underscores the enduring importance of social justice and representation in Indian politics, while also highlighting the strategic calculations of various political actors in anticipation of upcoming elections and shifting demographics.
The political landscape of Telangana is currently witnessing a significant power struggle, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy positioning his Congress government as a progressive force challenging the established dominance of the BJP. Reddy's claims that Prime Minister Modi is "perturbed" by the Congress government's schemes suggest a perception of vulnerability within the BJP, particularly concerning the potential for the Telangana model to inspire similar movements in other states. The caste survey, in particular, appears to be a flashpoint, as it directly addresses the concerns of a large and often marginalized segment of the population. The survey's potential to reveal demographic data that could be used to advocate for increased representation and resources for Backward Classes is a clear threat to the BJP's traditional power base. Furthermore, the positive response to the distribution of fine rice through the public distribution system indicates that the Congress government is successfully implementing policies that resonate with the public. This success challenges the BJP's narrative of governance and its ability to address the needs of ordinary citizens. Reddy's strategy appears to be centered on highlighting these achievements and portraying the BJP as being out of touch with the realities of the ground. By accusing Modi of personally leading the charge to "defame" the Congress government, Reddy is attempting to frame the conflict as a battle between progress and obstructionism. The reference to Modi's remarks on environmental issues in Telangana as an example of this "defamation" suggests that Reddy is keen to defend his government's record and counter any attempts to undermine its credibility. The fact that Rahul Gandhi has praised Reddy for his "bold step" in conducting the caste survey indicates that the Congress party is fully behind this initiative and sees it as a potential model for other states. The interest expressed by BC leaders from across the country in visiting Telangana to learn about the survey methodology further underscores its potential to become a national movement. This narrative suggests that the Congress government in Telangana is not only challenging the BJP's dominance within the state but is also seeking to influence national political discourse and potentially reshape the political landscape across the country.
The article highlights the strategic importance of caste politics in India, particularly in the context of upcoming elections. The Telangana government's decision to conduct a caste survey and classify Scheduled Castes demonstrates a commitment to addressing the historical inequalities faced by these communities. This commitment, in turn, has the potential to mobilize significant political support and challenge the BJP's traditional dominance. The BJP's response to these initiatives suggests a recognition of the potential threat they pose. By attempting to "divert attention" from the caste survey and focusing on other issues, the BJP is attempting to avoid a direct confrontation on a potentially sensitive topic. The reference to environmental issues in Telangana as a point of contention suggests that the BJP is attempting to frame the debate in terms of economic development and environmental protection, rather than social justice and representation. However, Reddy's claim that Modi is personally involved in this effort underscores the importance the BJP places on countering the Congress government's narrative. The fact that the BC caste survey in Telangana also caught the attention of Congress leaders across the country at the recent AICC meeting in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat shows its nationwide relevance and influence. Mr. Rahul Gandhi, a staunch supporter of BC surveys across the country, lauded Mr. Reddy for his brave measure. The discussions surrounding the survey's categorization and its ensuing political effects among BC leaders from various states on the sidelines of the AICC meeting indicates its potential to spark similar demands in their respective states. The eagerness of some leaders to visit Telangana to grasp the exercise and replicate it in their states highlights the growing pressure on governments to address caste-based disparities. This concerted effort to understand and implement similar measures demonstrates a broader movement towards advocating for the rights and representation of marginalized communities, potentially reshaping the political landscape and challenging existing power structures across the country.
Source: PM Modi perturbed with Cong. govt in Telangana: Revanth Reddy