On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) commitment to the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) for reservation. Speaking at a massive rally organized by the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) at the Parade Grounds in Hyderabad, Modi reassured the Madiga community that the BJP is dedicated to promptly addressing the injustices they face.
Modi declared the formation of a committee tasked with exploring various options for empowering the Madiga community. Emphasizing the just nature of the Madigas' struggle, he pledged the government's full support in their ongoing legal battle in the Supreme Court.
Highlighting the BJP's role as the sole guarantor of social justice and the catalyst for Telangana's developmental progress, Modi urged the people to usher in a double-engine government by bringing the BJP to power in the upcoming November 30 elections.
During his address, Modi commended MRPS leader Manda Krishna Madiga for his prolonged advocacy in championing the rights of the Madigas, repeatedly referring to him as his younger brother. The Prime Minister's words underscored the BJP's commitment to addressing social issues and fostering inclusive development in Telangana.
“From today, Krishna is my leader. I am his assistant. I will stand by you in this fight,” he said.
The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same platform moved Krishna to tears, leading to an emotional moment as the two shared the dais. In a poignant gesture, the Prime Minister embraced Manda Krishna Madiga, the leader of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS), offering words of consolation.
The Madiga community holds significant numerical prominence among Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In Telangana specifically, Madigas constitute 60 percent of the SCs, who, in turn, make up about 17 percent of the overall population.
Krishna passionately urged Madigas to reject both the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), asserting that justice for their community lies solely in the hands of Narendra Modi.
For three decades, the MRPS has been advocating for internal reservations within the SCs, aiming to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among all sub-castes. The organization contends that a few sub-castes have disproportionately benefitted from the existing system.
The timing of the rally, less than three weeks before the Telangana Assembly elections, is strategic for the BJP, which hopes to secure the support of the Madiga community.
This gathering followed Modi's address at the Backward Classes self-respect rally in Hyderabad two days prior. During this event, the Prime Minister made a commitment that, if elected in Telangana, the BJP would appoint a leader from the backward classes as the Chief Minister, further emphasizing the party's dedication to addressing the concerns of marginalized communities.
(With Agency Inputs)
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