On Saturday, a massive protest titled “Meyemtho – Maakante” was held in Anantapuram by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the BC Coordination Committee, demanding immediate implementation of a comprehensive caste census. During this protest, BC leaders raised serious concerns about the government's neglect of caste enumeration and strongly criticized the political establishment.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jujjavarapu Purnachandra Rao, BSP Andhra Pradesh Coordinator and retired DGP, remarked, “After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the state has suffered severely due to the absence of the Periyar-inspired BC political legacy. Today, the result of this is clear: the Reddy and Kamma-led governments have led the state to destruction through caste-based politics, steering the state away from welfare and development. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu, under BC leadership, is advancing in welfare, development, and equality. As Periyar rightly said, dignity and respect are more important than political freedom. We are questioning today whether this dignity and respect exist for BCs, SCs, and STs in Andhra Pradesh.”
“According to Ambedkar's principles, although every vote is equal, the votes of BCs have no political value, and politics has been confined to Reddys and Kammas. There was a time when, if a Reddy minister was in power, an SC Deputy Chief Minister could not even speak, nor could sit beside him. These are not new facts. The BCs are being used only as vote banks.”
“Across the country, caste dominates politics. In this scenario, it is crucial for us to know how many of us there are, so we can understand our rights, representation, funds, and appointments, and recognize the injustice that has occurred. The only solution to this is a comprehensive caste census. Why is the government hesitant to conduct this? Because they don't want the world to know our strength. Just like Hanuman did not know his strength until someone reminded him with praises, BCs too are unaware of their power. This is why youth, leaders, and BC people from all sections must unite and fight. Only then will we gain the courage and strength to challenge the system.”
“BC leaders from all parties, whether TDP or YSRCP, must step forward and make their parties aware. Keep the power near you. Today, there are 29 SC MLAs, 7 STs, and 40 BCs. If this number reaches 100, we will be able to fight collectively for the marginalized and weaker sections. When the number of BC MLAs increases, the voices and strength for the fight for SCs and STs will grow. If the main parties fail to field BC MLA candidates, we, the BCs, must teach them a lesson by electing other BC candidates. Only then will BC leaders within these parties open their eyes.”
In this massive protest, BSP State President B. Paramjyothi, State BC Coordination Committee Chairman Angadala Purnachandra Rao, and other BSP and BC leaders spoke out and vowed to intensify their fight for the demand for a caste census.