Politics

Telangana Elections: BJP’s Caste Card: Focusing on the Madiga vote bank alongside BC agenda

8 months ago
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BJP Caste Card in Telangana

In the poll-bound state of Telangana, the BJP is placing a strong emphasis on caste equations. Recently, during the ‘BC Atmagaurava Sabha,’ PM Modi announced the BC agenda, pledging to appoint a BC leader as the chief minister once in power. This strategic move is aimed at solidifying support from the BC vote bank. Speculations are now arising that the BJP might adopt a favourable stance on the long-standing demand for SC classification. PM Modi is scheduled to participate in the ‘Madigala Vishwarupa Mahasabha’ on November 11th as the chief guest, raising anticipation for a potential announcement on this matter. Probably this is the first time a prime minister is participating in a caste meeting. In the previous assembly elections, the BJP secured only a single seat in the state, but now with 3 MLAs, they are optimistic that consolidating caste votes could contribute to their growth in numbers in the upcoming elections.

BJP’s caste card in Telangana elections

In the 2014 elections, the BJP included the demand for SC classification in their manifesto, following discussions with MRPS president Mandakrishna Madiga. However, they later failed to fulfill this promise. Despite committing to amend the constitution based on Usha Mehra’s commission report for the implementation of SC classification, the BJP did not follow through during their 9 and a half years in power. As elections approach in Telangana, they seem poised to make a key decision on this demand.

Madiga, referred to as Chamars of Arundhatiya in other states, represents the largest populous community in Telangana, with around 70 lakh people. While the BJP typically emphasizes Hindutva in North India elections, in Telangana, they are focusing on caste-based politics. The current BJP representation in Telangana includes 3 MLAs and 4 MPs. Etela Rajender, an MLA, hails from the Mudiraj community, one of the largest communities in the state. MPs Bandi Sanjay and Dharmapuri Arvind belong to the Munnuru Kapu community, which holds significant sway.

The BJP strategizes that by gaining support from the Mudiraj and Munnuru Kapu communities, they can improve their electoral results compared to the 2018 assembly elections. The party believes that taking a clear stand on implementing SC classification may garner significant votes from Madiga and sub-castes. In the past month, on the same parade ground, the ‘Mudiraj Athmagaurava Sabha’ took place with Etela Rajender as the chief guest. Although it’s labeled as a community meeting, there were speculations that it was orchestrated by Etela Rajender, the BJP’s face for BC CM candidacy. Placing Etela Rajender at the forefront, the BJP aims to capitalize on Mudiraj votes. Now, a similar strategy is being considered for the Madiga community. They believe that by making decisions in favor of classification, they can garner support from that community.

A brief history of SC classification during the years

SC classification seeks to justify reservations that have been demanded for nearly three decades. The movement, initiated by MRPS (Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi) president Mandakrishna Madiga, aims to address the imbalance in the distribution of reservation benefits among Dalit communities.

In the combined state, the Mala community within the Dalits has received a proportionately larger share of benefits compared to their population quota. while other communities have not received their fair share.

To address this issue, MRPS initiated the ‘Dandora’ movement across Telugu states, demanding for the categorization of Dalit communities into A, B, C, and D groups. The goal is to ensure that each community receives a proportionate share of reservation benefits. However, the demand has faced opposition from the Mala community, leading to clashes between Madiga and Mala communities.

In 1997, the TDP government in combined Andhra Pradesh took a significant step by deciding to divide the 15 percent SC reservation among 59 Dalit castes, categorized as A, B, C, and D. They issued a Government Order (GO) to implement this decision. But, the Mala Mahanadu challenged this GO in the High Court and received a favorable verdict. The High Court declared the SC classification GO unconstitutional, stating that the government had exceeded its limits of power.

In 2000, the TDP government attempted to address the issue by passing an act to rationalize SC classification. However, in 2004, the Supreme Court dismissed this act, asserting that state governments do not have the power to make such classifications. Despite these efforts, MRPS continues its fight for SC reservation, which remains unfulfilled to this day.

KCR’s stance on SC classification

The BRS government in Telangana, during their first term, passed a resolution in the assembly accepting SC classification. CM KCR took proactive steps by writing letters to all party leaders in the state, addressing the issue. He even met with PM Modi, accompanied by the then deputy chief minister, the Dalit leader Kadiyam Srihari. During the meeting, KCR submitted a letter to PM Modi, urging an increase in the SC reservation quota up to 15 percent. However, both the state government and the central government later ignored the issue.

KCR, who fell short on his promises of a Dalit CM and three acres of land for Dalits, is now implementing the Dalit Bandhu scheme in phases across the state. It’s worth noting that KCR often claims to lead the first government in the country to provide such welfare to Dalits. However, it raises eyebrows that the scheme was announced just before the Huzurabad by-election. KCR further solidified his commitment by naming the secretariat as DR. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat and unveiling a 125-feet Ambedkar statue this year. In public meetings, he passionately chants the slogan “Jai Bhim.” Observing these actions, it becomes evident that KCR is strategically prioritizing Dalits to maintain their support and secure their vote bank.

This time, there are predictions that the BSP, under the leadership of retired IPS RS Praveen Kumar from the Madiga community, may impact the Telangana elections. Till now, BSP has announced candidates for the 88 assembly seats in Telangana.

Mandakrishna is ready to support the BJP!

In the Telangana movement, CM KCR has consistently stated that he would collaborate with RSU TO RSS for separate statehood, emphasizing his commitment. He is even saying ready to kiss the blanket worm for the seperate statehood cause. Similar sentiments are echoed by MRPS President Mandakrishna Madiga, who is willing to join forces with any group to achieve their agenda. During a media interaction, Mandakrishna questioned why it would be wrong to support the BJP if the party can fulfill their dreams.

This statement suggests that MRPS is open to supporting the BJP in the upcoming elections. It’s worth noting that Mandakrishna campaigned for the BJP in the Karnataka assembly elections. As the Madigala Vishwaroopa Mahasabha on Saturday (Nov 11th) draws near, Mandakrishna expects participants from 17 to 20 states. The Madigala Vishwaroopa Mahasabha, with the Vishwa guru Modi, is gaining significant attention in political circles and among the general public. If PM Narendra Modi promises to introduce a bill on SC classification in the upcoming winter parliament sessions during the Madigala Vishwarupa Mahasabha, it will be crucial to be seen how this development will impact Telangana politics in the upcoming elections.

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