Telangana BJP MLA A Maheshwar Reddy Questions Rahul Gandhi's Caste and Religion Amid Caste Survey Controversy

The Telangana BJP MLA, A Maheshwar Reddy, has accused the Congress government of misleading backward classes through a caste survey. He stirred controversy by questioning Rahul Gandhi's caste and religion. Reddy, who is the BJP's floor leader in the Assembly, stated that Gandhi's background should be clarified before he discusses caste census.

Reddy questioned Gandhi's understanding of Indian culture and traditions. He asked, "Who is Rahul Gandhi’s grandfather? Feroz Jehangir Ghandy. He is the grandson of Feroz Jehangir. In Hindu tradition, father gets grandfather’s caste and son gets father’s caste." He further commented on how names should reflect lineage according to him.

Congress Responds to BJP MLA's Remarks

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president B Mahesh Kumar Goud criticised Reddy's comments. Goud questioned whether Reddy was unaware of Gandhi's caste when he was part of Congress. He emphasised that Gandhi is recognised as a leader beyond caste, religion, and regional ties.

Goud also challenged state BJP leaders to ensure the inclusion of an OBC census in next year's national census. He highlighted that Gandhi's identity aligns with India's diverse caste system.

BJP's Stance on Caste Survey and Promises

Maheshwar Reddy asserted that the BJP does not oppose the caste survey. However, he urged the Congress to fulfil its promises made to backward classes in the BC Declaration before elections. The declaration includes increasing the BC quota in local bodies from 23% to 42% and reserving 42% in government contracts.

The BJP leader also mentioned plans to abolish the 4% quota for minorities in the BC category if they come to power in Telangana. He recalled a similar police case against BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in Karnataka and expressed readiness for any legal actions against him.

Ongoing Caste Survey in Telangana

The Telangana government has initiated a comprehensive socio-economic, employment, political, and caste survey. This survey was an election promise by Rahul Gandhi and began on Wednesday. It aims to gather detailed data on various aspects affecting different communities.

The survey is part of efforts to address socio-economic disparities and ensure equitable resource distribution among communities. It reflects ongoing political debates around caste-based reservations and representation in India.