Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao accused the previous BRS government and the Congress of failing to protect tribal welfare. He alleged that the BRS delayed the proposed 10% reservation for tribals by linking it to the proposed 12% reservation for Muslims.
Addressing a tribal gathering, Ramchander Rao claimed the decision created legal hurdles. As a result, thousands of tribal youth and students allegedly faced delays in receiving reservation benefits. He also alleged that the previous government failed to implement the promised quota independently.
Tribal welfare highlighted by BJP
Ramchander Rao said the BJP had consistently worked for tribal welfare across the country. He noted that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes were established during the government led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He also claimed that the BJP had the highest representation of tribal Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies. However, he alleged that the Congress had failed to deliver meaningful welfare despite its claims.
Tribal welfare schemes for remote areas
Ramchander Rao recalled that his first visit as Telangana BJP president was to Chenchu habitations in the Nallamala forest. He said the villages still lacked basic infrastructure. Therefore, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with extending housing and welfare schemes through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
According to Ramchander Rao, the scheme provided permanent houses and essential facilities to remote Chenchu villages. Finally, he reiterated the BJP’s commitment to tribal welfare and inclusive development across Telangana.