The Supreme Court in a landmark verdict on Thursday allowed the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in reservation, allowing wider protection for underrepresented groups.
Following the order, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the state would immediately start the process of sub-classification to implement the reservation for the Madiga community and other Dalit sub-castes. Madigas are the largest of the 59 SC sub-castes in Telangana followed by the Malas. According to unofficial estimates of the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, SCs make up around 19% of the state’s population.
Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) chief Manda Krishna Madiga who has been a vocal supporter of the sub-classification for decades said the top court’s order was a massive victory for the marginalised communities among SCs and STs. During the Telangana Assembly polls last year, amid a BJP outreach to Dalits, Madiga shared the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally, where he was photographed in tears and being consoled by the PM.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Manda Krishna Madiga talks about the long-drawn fight for sub-classification, the political support for it, and the impact of the Supreme Court verdict. Excerpts:
* How do you feel after winning the battle for sub-caste reservation?
The decades-long agitation of Madiga people has come to a conclusion as we got what we desired. The movement, which started in 1994, has come to a conclusion after 30 long years. The judgment has brought us much happiness.
* How has this journey been for you?
The agitation saw many ups and downs, and efforts were made to derail it several times. We suffered a lot during the process. But we got the support of people from across the spectrum. We are happy about that.
* Who will this judgment benefit?
A hundred generations to come ahead will benefit from this. Our sacrifices have not been in vain. A hundred generations of Madigas and other downtrodden castes will benefit from this judgment.
* What contributed to this victory?
I attribute this victory to three kinds of people. One, those who gave up their lives for reservation. Secondly, MRPS workers who overcame all odds to stand by the party. Next, I also thank the support given by people of different castes to this agitation.
* There are several people who died by suicide in public for the MRPS’s cause. What is your plan for their family members?
We will form committees to support the families. We will give them all that they need after bringing the matter up for discussion in the MRPS governing body.
* Have you received support from any political parties in the past?
We have got support from several parties, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Congress, and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
* Did the BJP support you?
Yes, we did get support from the BJP too before the elections.
* Which party are you aligned with now?
We stand independent at this juncture. We have taken help from all parties who supported the sub-categorisation agitation. But we are an independent party that struggled and agitated on our own.
Click here to join The Indian Express on WhatsApp and get latest news and updates
[ad_2]
Source link
