Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has expressed displeasure over ministers releasing caste census details before cabinet approval.
Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy made the report public on 1 February. The findings sparked criticism. Several BC associations and Congress leaders flagged errors. They claimed the report showed a decline in the BC population compared to past figures.
Following the backlash, ministers postponed a press conference on 2 February. It was meant to discuss Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-categorisation.
Tensions in the Congress party have surfaced. Revanth Reddy and Uttam Kumar Reddy have a strained relationship. Uttam, a former state Congress president, reportedly has ambitions for the top post.
Also read: Telangana commission on SC categorisation submits report to cabinet
The Telangana caste survey has now concluded. It shows that 46.25 per cent of the population — 1,64,09,179 people —belongs to the BC category. Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy released the Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste (SEEEPC) survey on 2 February. It covered 96.9 per cent of households and surveyed 3,54,77,554 individuals.
The survey reports that SCs make up 17.43 per cent of the population, totalling 61,84,319 people. Scheduled Tribes (STs) account for 10.45 per cent, with 37,05,929 individuals.
The survey also provides data on Telangana’s Muslim population. The minority community constitutes 12.56 per cent of the total population, with 44,57,012 people. Among them, 35,76,588 individuals, or 10.08 per cent, are classified as BCs. Another 8,80,424 people — 2.48 per cent — fall under Other Castes (OC).
The controversy around the survey has deepened political divides. Critics argue that the findings could impact policies and reservations. Some leaders fear the report could be used for political gains. Others demand a review of the data to ensure accuracy.
Congress faces internal challenges due to the issue. The delay in an official press meet hints at ongoing tensions. With elections approaching, caste dynamics may shape political strategies.
The Telangana government now faces pressure to clarify its stance. Whether the survey results influence policy changes remains uncertain. The coming months will determine the political fallout of the caste census.
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