Sub-categorisation of SCs: After poll promise to Madigas, PM asks officials to expedite formation of committee

Madigas are a big constituent of the SCs in the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The MRPS has been fighting for the categorisation of SCs for the last three decades on the grounds that the fruits of reservations have not reached them.

The MRPS founder-president Manda Krishna Madiga’s argument has been that in the absence of sub-categorisation, the Malas — considered more educated and worldly-wise — would continue to corner the entire quota meant for SCs, leaving little or none for the other castes, particularly the Madigas and several other sub-castes.

Related: Modi makes sub-categorisation promise — but to whose benefit?

Modi’s promise

The BJP has stood with Madigas in every struggle since the last three decades, Modi had said at his 13 November Hyderabad rally.

“We will end the injustice being meted out to the SCs… it is our commitment, and the BJP will stand with you. To resolve the issue, we will set up a committee,” he said, stating he was aware of a related case pending before the Supreme Court.

“We are committed to ending this injustice at the earliest… It is our promise that we will soon constitute a committee that will adopt all possible ways to empower you. You and we also know that a big legal process is going on in the Supreme Court. We consider your struggle to be just,” he had said.

“If you all agree with me, please switch on the flashlights on your mobile phones. From now onwards, I will be an assistant to Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi chief Manda Krishna Madiga, who is my younger brother. I will cooperate in his fight for protecting the rights of the Madiga community,” the prime minister said.

Also read: PM Modi vows to resolve SC sub-categorisation row

Lauds MRPS chief

Lauding Krishna Madiga for continuing the agitation for sub-categorisation for the past 30 years and spending his young age in the movement, Modi appreciated everyone for continuing a non-violent movement in support of their demand.

After arriving on the dais, Modi met BJP leaders and Krishna Madiga. However, Krishna Madiga broke down suddenly. On seeing him, Modi consoled him, patting his shoulders.

“Naa Kutumbha Sabhyulara (My family members). Krishna Madiga is working like one life, one mission and fighting for the rights of the community. I request him to involve me in his fight,” Modi said, adding that he did not arrive in the city to seek something from the people.

“After Independence, political parties and leaders gave promises and duped you. As a political leader, I seek apologies for their sins. For the past 10 years, the ruling party in Telangana has duped Madigas and other communities. The Congress created hurdles in the formation of a separate Telangana,” he took on both the BRS and the Congress.

The prime minister also recalled the promise made by the BRS supremo of making a Dalit the chief minister of Telangana if voted to power in 2014.

The prime minister added that after coming to power Chandrashekhar Rao ignored the promises made to Dalits and encroached on the chief minister’s chair. “Did the BRS fulfil the promises? Did the Dalit Bandhu scheme help you? The scheme helped only the relatives of BRS MLAs,” Modi alleged.

Telangana is going to the Assembly polls on 30 November.

(With PTI inputs)