Telangana minister urges Padmasali community to seek more political representation

Telangana Backward Classes Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has urged the Padmasali community to work towards electing at least five legislators in the next general elections. He made the call on Sunday at a programme in Hyderabad marking the 111th birth anniversary of Konda Laxman Bapuji. Mr Prabhakar also urged weaker sections to maintain unity.

The minister described Konda Laxman Bapuji as a selfless Telangana leader who placed the state’s aspirations above political office and personal political prospects. He said the younger generation should follow that example. Mr Prabhakar referred to the veteran leader’s opposition to social inequalities and exploitation, including forced labour.

He also said communities and traditional occupations needed to adapt to changing circumstances. Discussing representation and affirmative action, he said the Telangana government had conducted a caste census and enacted legislation providing 42% reservation for Backward Classes. He alleged that the Centre had stalled implementation of the reservation.

The minister said the demand for a nationwide caste census would continue. Referring to the Centre’s April 1, 2025 announcement that caste enumeration would be included in the Census, he said the exercise had collected data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes but not on Backward Classes. He reiterated the demand for comprehensive caste enumeration across India.

Employment, Training and Factories Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy, government adviser V. Hanumantha Rao, Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav and other officials attended the programme.

The event was organised by the Telangana government under the state’s Konda Laxman Bapuji Birth Anniversary Celebration Committee.