HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has welcomed the Centre’s decision to initiate a caste census alongside the national population survey, describing it as a major political victory for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and a historic step toward social justice.
Speaking to the media at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad on Wednesday, Reddy said the move fulfilled a century-old demand for caste-based enumeration, which Rahul Gandhi championed on the national stage. “This is Rahul Gandhi’s success,” he declared, crediting the Congress leader for consistently advocating that caste census is essential, calling it “an X-ray of society.”
Reddy reminded reporters that the Telangana government had fulfilled its promise to conduct a caste census and had already submitted the findings to the Centre after passing a Bill in the state Assembly. He said the Centre’s move appears inspired by Telangana’s initiative, which now serves as a national model.
The Chief Minister urged the central government to announce a clear timeline for both starting and completing the nationwide caste census. He called for the formation of two committees—one ministerial and one administrative—to guide and monitor the process. Reddy further recommended that all political parties be consulted to ensure a fair and effective methodology.
Criticising state BJP leaders, he accused them of politicising the issue for electoral gain, even though their party had supported the caste census resolution in the Telangana Assembly. “We are ready to work with the Centre for the welfare of backward communities,” he affirmed.
Revanth Reddy also extended greetings on International Workers’ Day, stating that labourers are key contributors to development. He announced that Telangana’s new industrial policy would continue to prioritise workers’ rights and welfare.
In a major policy move, the Chief Minister revealed that the government will soon implement the Social Welfare Bill 2025 to support gig and platform workers in the unorganised sector, underscoring the state’s commitment to inclusive growth.