Is Congress Leadership Supporting the Telangana Model of Social Justice Nationally?
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Synopsis
The Congress party's leadership has pledged support for the Telangana model of social justice, focusing on OBC empowerment. This comes after a significant caste survey and aims to establish 42% reservations for OBCs nationally. Will this initiative redefine social justice in India?
Key Takeaways
- Congress leadership backs Telangana model of social justice.
- 42% reservations for OBCs proposed nationally.
- First caste survey in Independent India conducted in Telangana.
- Movement led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
- Potential for broader reforms in social justice.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) Telangana's Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced on Thursday that the senior leadership of the Congress party has shown unwavering support and dedication to implementing the Telangana model of social justice for OBCs at a national scale.
“In a pivotal discussion, the Congress's leading figures have pledged full support and commitment to ensure the Telangana model of social justice for OBCs is adopted nationally,” the Chief Minister shared via the social media platform ‘X’ after meeting with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and AICC president, to provide insights on the caste survey conducted in the state.
He highlighted that Telangana’s caste survey was the first of its kind in Independent India, resulting in the promise of 42 percent reservations for OBCs in local body elections.
Revanth Reddy asserted that the Government of India must heed their demand, stating that the movement will be championed by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
“The Congress party, known for enacting transformative changes through grassroots movements, is now determined to guarantee complete social justice and empowerment for OBCs,” he remarked.
During the meeting at Kharge’s residence, the Chief Minister elaborated on the implementation and methodology of the caste survey.
He informed the top Congress leaders about the data collection process used during the Socio-Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) survey.
Revanth Reddy also indicated that based on the results from the SEEEPC survey, the state has passed two Bills to increase reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) to 42 percent in education, employment, and local bodies.
Both Bills have been forwarded to the Centre for addition in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution. He urged Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to apply pressure on the BJP-led government during the ongoing Parliamentary session to approve these BC reservation Bills.
AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted on ‘X’ that the Congress party's Social Justice 2.0 – a new initiative for social justice, equity, and empowerment of marginalized groups – has commenced in Telangana.
“Our relentless effort, led by Rahul Gandhi for justice, is amplifying the voices of millions from SC, ST, OBC, and EWS communities who have been overlooked for decades. Despite being a significant portion of India’s population, these groups are conspicuously missing from top corporate boards, the judiciary, bureaucracy, and premier institutions. For instance, even today, a Parliamentary answer indicates that 80 percent of OBC professor positions and 83 percent of ST positions remain vacant in Central universities,” he stated.
“Our demand is for a nationwide Caste Census and the elimination of the arbitrary 50 percent cap on reservations. The Government has agreed to conduct the Caste Survey under immense public pressure, yet without lifting the cap. However, the systematic approach taken by Telangana in its survey should serve as a model for the entire nation. Based on this groundbreaking socio-economic survey, our Government in Telangana has proposed 42 percent reservations for OBCs in local body elections and educational institutions. This vital bill is currently pending the assent of the Hon'ble President of India,” Kharge added.
He expressed gratitude to the Independent Expert Working Group led by former Supreme Court Judge, Justice B Sudarshan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Telangana, the Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and MPs for their pioneering efforts.
The Expert Working Group, AICC in charge of Telangana Meenakshi Natrajan, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, and other senior Congress leaders were also present.
“Telangana has become a benchmark in scientific caste enumeration. At Kharge Ji’s residence, we presented our methods and emphasized the urgency of approving pending reservation bills held up with the Centre. Congress will continue to advocate for this matter in Parliament,” the TPCC president posted on ‘X’.
Point of View
The Congress party's endorsement of the Telangana model illustrates a significant stride towards inclusivity. The focus on OBC empowerment through systematic surveys and legislative action may set a precedent for future policies. As discussions around social justice gain momentum, this initiative could resonate well with the electorate and catalyze broader reforms.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Telangana model of social justice?
The Telangana model of social justice aims to provide 42% reservations for OBCs in education, employment, and local body elections, based on comprehensive caste surveys.
Who are leading the movement for OBC reservations?
The movement is led by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, advocating for OBC empowerment and social justice.
What impact does the caste survey have?
The caste survey serves as a foundation for the proposed reservation bills, highlighting the socio-economic status of various communities and aiming to ensure their representation.
How has the government responded to the calls for a nationwide Caste Census?
The government has agreed to conduct a Caste Survey but has not removed the existing cap on reservations, which stands at 50%.
What is the significance of the Congress party's support?
The Congress party's support signifies a commitment to social justice and equity, potentially influencing national policies and addressing long-standing disparities faced by marginalized communities.
