Hanumant Rao Slams Amit Shah's Telangana Tour
Congress leader Hanumant Rao demands OBC reservation and caste census before Amit Shah's Telangana visit, alleging PM is under RSS control.
In a stinging political attack, Congress leader Hanumant Rao has challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah ahead of his scheduled visit to Telangana on October 4. Rao demanded that the central government address critical issues regarding OBC reservation and a caste-wise census before engaging in political tours within the state.
Demands for OBC Rights and Census
Rao emphasized the significant demographic weight of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the region. He aligned his stance with the national agenda set by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been vocal about including a dedicated OBC column in the upcoming census to ensure proper representation.
"We have the highest population. Rahul Gandhi is asking for OBC reservation and demanding an OBC column in the census," Rao stated. He further criticized the Prime Minister, noting the contradiction between the PM's self-identification as an OBC and the government's actual policies. "The Prime Minister calls himself Narendra Modi OBC, but does nothing for OBCs," he alleged.
Allegations of RSS Influence
The Congress leader did not mince words when discussing the leadership of the ruling party, suggesting that the Prime Minister is heavily influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Making a direct reference to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Rao claimed that the decision-making process is controlled by the organization.
"He is in their clutches; the remote control is in Mohan Bhagwat's hands. When Mohan sits, he sits; when he says get up, he gets up," Rao remarked, questioning the purpose of Amit Shah's visit to Khanapur if the core demands of the people remain unaddressed.
A Mobilized Resistance
Rao accused the current administration of jeopardizing the futures of both the youth and the OBC community, comparing the current situation to previous instances where student interests were sidelined. He warned that the struggle for OBC representation is moving from the grassroots to the national stage.
To bolster this movement, a high-level Congress delegation is preparing to launch a concerted effort in Telangana. The group will include:
- Anil Jain Yadav: Chairman of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) OBC Department
- Koppula Raju: SC/ST in-charge
- Mahesh Kumar Goud: President of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC)
- Various state MLAs
Rao concluded by stating that the fight for the "OBC voice" would begin in Telangana and eventually reach the national capital, Delhi. "The caste-wise census started right from here, and the OBC voice will start right from here," he asserted.