The also demanded the establishment of a separate BC ministry at the Centre, and reservation in promotions and in private sector jobs.
A large conference of BCs was organized today at Ravindra Bharati, where they demanded 50% reservation for BCs in Parliament and in other legislative bodies, the establishment of a separate ministry for BCs at the Centre, reservation in promotions for BC employees, and reservations for SC/ST/BCs in the private sector.
BC leaders Nanda Gopal and Neela Venkatesh presided over the conference, which also had National BC Welfare Association President R Krishnaiah in attendance, and was coordinated by Gujja Krishna and Uday Neta.
The meeting was attended by leaders from all political parties.
Speaking on the occasion, Krishnaiah said that in a democratic system, all castes and communities needed to be represented in the political sphere according to their respective populations. "But in our country, these communities have been suppressed through reservations not being provided in legislatures for the BCs. BCs, who represent 56% of the population, have only 14% representation in the political sector, 1% in the industrial sector and 5% in the private sector. All oppressed and discriminated communities around the world have been given a share in all sectors, and have developed equally with other communities. However, here the oppressed castes continue to face exploitation, and no steps are being taken to develop them. 76 years have passed since India's independence, and their rightful shares are still not being given. BCs are productive castes. They create wealth for the country, but have no right to enjoy it, no share in it, and no opportunity. The national budget is funded by taxes, but there is no minimum share for BCs in the budget. If BCs, who constitute 56% of the population, are so underrepresented, how can this be called a democracy?" he said.
He said that BCs receiving a share in proportion to their population would foster unity, integrity and peace in the country, and demanded that another study be conducted to determine the share due to them. In the 75 years of democracy, it is necessary to give BCs a demographic share. If BCs, who constitute 56% of the population, are so underrepresented, how can this be called a democracy?" he asked.
MLC M Kodandaram, former minister Srinivas Goud, former MP V Hanumantha Rao and others were present in the conference.