The Telangana Assembly on Tuesday saw heated debates between the ruling party and the opposition over the accuracy and legality of the Samagra Kutumba Survey conducted by the previous government. Ministers argued that the survey lacked legal validity, leading to disagreements among party members.
During discussions, BRS leader Talasani Srinivas Yadav raised concerns about the government’s data on the population of Backward Classes (BCs) in the state. He pointed out that many residents, especially those in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits and apartment complexes, did not participate in the survey. He demanded that the government revise the survey and ensure 42% reservations for BCs, as promised in the Kamareddy BC declaration by the Congress party.
BJP member Payal Shankar also criticized the survey, claiming that the number of BCs had declined since the 2014 Samagra Kutumba Survey. He alleged discrepancies in the allocation of funds and resources for BCs. He further argued that while some corporation seats were reserved for BCs, Muslim minorities were getting elected to these positions. He warned that such a situation could lead to legal challenges and accused the government of using the survey for political reasons.
In response, BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar criticized the BJP, stating that although the party had promised to make a BC leader the Chief Minister, they ultimately appointed an upper-caste leader as their floor leader. Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu also pointed out that the BJP had replaced a BC candidate with a Reddy for the state party leadership.
Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy defended the current government’s stance, stating that the previous survey lacked legal sanctity. He reassured the opposition that the Congress party stood for social justice and was committed to conducting the survey in a fair and transparent manner. He also offered to make corrections if any mistakes were found.
Meanwhile, ruling party members accused both the BRS and BJP of working together outside the Assembly while pretending to be opponents within the House.
