Caste Census Can Withstand Legal Challenge, Says Ministers

Hyderabad:Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy asserted that Telangana's caste census was legally sound and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny, enabling the Congress government to surpass the 50 per cent cap on reservations.

Addressing Congress MPs at AICC headquarters in Delhi on Thursday, they highlighted the scientific and legal strength of the Telangana caste census.

Bhatti said the caste survey was a historic move that could reshape the country’s approach to social justice. He noted that the data was analysed by a committee of independent intellectuals known for their integrity, including Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, Kancha Ilaiah, Praveen Chakravarty and Sukhadeo Thorat.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the caste census process remained unbiased and focused on uplifting the underprivileged. He recalled that Rahul Gandhi’s commitment during the Bharat Jodo Yatra inspired the Congress government to launch the caste census soon after coming to power.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the Congress government fulfilled its manifesto promise by initiating the caste census within three months of taking office in December 2023.

The minister stressed that the comprehensive data provided a strong empirical basis to breach the 50 per cent reservation cap imposed by the Supreme Court in the ‘Indira Sawhney’ case. Two Bills based on the findings, aimed at increasing political and educational reservations, were passed by the Assembly and sent to the President after the Governor's approval. However, they remain pending at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

He asserted that with the backing of scientific data and legal scrutiny, Telangana is positioned to expand OBC reservations to 42 per cent. Going forward, the government plans a two-pronged strategy — enhancing reservations and launching targeted development initiatives for disadvantaged castes and regions, aiming for inclusive and equitable growth.