BRS: Congress’ Minority Declaration Threatens Harmony
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has called the Congress’ Minority Declaration an “unnecessary” and “harmful” proposal that could create conflict between Backward Classes (BCs) and minorities in Telangana. The declaration, which promises to conduct a caste census for minorities and ensure fair reservations for all backward classes, has been criticized by the BRS for being divisive and impractical.
BRS working president K T Rama Rao has pointed out that the Constitution already recognizes Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and other sections as religious minorities. He has argued that conducting a separate caste census for minorities would be redundant and could harm both BCs and minorities.
Rama Rao has also accused the Telangana Congress of being in cahoots with the BJP. He has pointed out that the Congress is strategically fielding weak candidates against BJP candidates, as part of a prior understanding. He has also questioned the credibility of the Congress party for the nomination of leaders and their family members for multiple constituencies in Telangana, contrary to its Udaypur Declaration prohibiting tickets to two or more members of a family.
The BRS has said that it is committed to minority reservations based on the socio-economic conditions as recommended by the Sachar Committee and Sudhir Committee reports. The party has reminded that the Telangana Assembly had passed a resolution in this regard on April 16, 2017, and sent it to the Centre for approval. However, the Central government has not yet approved the resolution.
The BRS has also accused Congress of failing to provide adequate funds for minorities’ welfare. Rama Rao has pointed out that Congress spent only Rs 930 crore on minorities’ welfare in its 10 years of rule, while the BRS has spent Rs 10,139 crore between 2014-15 and 2023-24.
The BRS has said that it is committed to improving the lives of all people in Telangana, including minorities. The party has said that it will continue to provide them with the support they need to thrive.
