Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, during a meeting in Delhi on Saturday, invited Leader of Opposition and party senior Rahul Gandhi to attend one of the two major public rallies slated for April, to celebrate the success of Telangana’s caste census and SC sub-categorisation.These milestones were part of the Congress promises in the run-up to the 2023 Assembly elections. Official sources said that Gandhi discussed plans of launching a nationwide movement demanding the BJP-led government at the Centre to conduct a caste census across the country. He reportedly asked Reddy to take a proactive role in rallying support from non-BJP ruled states and their respective Chief Ministers for proposed nationwide agitation.The one-hour meeting took place at Rahul Gandhi’s residence, where the two discussed the achievements of the government in Telangana, particularly its resolution of the contentious caste census and SC sub-categorisation issues. These challenges, which had remained unresolved for decades, were addressed successfully under the leadership of Revanth Reddy.Official sources said that Rahul Gandhi praised the efforts of the Telangana government, noting that the caste census and SC sub-categorisation were accomplished in a remarkably short time. He stated that Telangana’s caste census could serve as a “role model” for other states and provide a roadmap for a national caste census initiative.Later, in an informal chat with reporters at his official residence in Delhi, Reddy elaborated on the meeting with Rahul Gandhi.”I briefed him about the caste census. We carried out the census scientifically, and it now serves as a blueprint for the rest of the country,” he said.On criticism by Opposition parties, he said, “The Opposition is deliberately creating controversy, but our focus is solely on public welfare, not politics. We will pass legislation in the Assembly to extend 42 per cent reservations for BCs in education, employment and political representation and refer the legislation to Parliament for approval. We will also pass legislation on SC sub-categorisation.”On the defection of BRS MLAs into Congress, Reddy said, “I am waiting for the Supreme Court’s verdict, but K.T. Rama Rao is making statements even before the judgment. I want to ask him – how does he justify Sabitha Indra Reddy and Talasani Srinivas Yadav, who won from one party and became ministers in another?”He also defended his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s caste.”I have never spoken in a derogatory manner about the Prime Minister. I only stated that Modi is not a BC by birth and became one after his caste was included in the BCs list. This is something that even BJP leaders have acknowledged,” he said. Referring to rumours surrounding his leadership, Revanth Reddy said, “I know some people don’t like me or accept me, but that doesn’t affect my work. I will not allow anyone to question my commitment. As aCongress leader, I made promises to the people, and only I will be accountable.”The Chief Minister dismissed speculations regarding cabinet expansion and revamp of TPCC. “This is not my sole decision and I do not care about unnecessary criticism. Some people spread these rumours whenever I visit Delhi.”
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