KAUN BANEGA CM: A HOT TOPIC AMONG CONGRESS, BJP LEADERS

Kaun Banega CM: A hot topic among Congress, BJP leaders 

There are too many CM aspirants in Congress who openly vouch for themselves. Congress, after its big win in neighbouring Karnataka, is sure of replicating the win in Telangana too 

By C R Gowri Shanker 

Published on 26 Oct 2023 9:23 AM

Hyderabad: The race for the coveted Telangana chief minister ‘gaddi’ is heating up in Congress and BJP parties, even before they saw victory in the upcoming Telangana Assembly polls. Meanwhile, the incumbent Bharat Rashtra Samithi seems to have no such issues!

It’s a foregone conclusion that BRS supremo and chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao will be CM again if the party is voted to power and the IT and Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao will continue as the CM-in-waiting.

High Command picks, but leaders voice out!

On the contrary, there are too many CM aspirants in Congress who openly vouch for themselves. Congress, after its big win in neighbouring Karnataka, is sure of replicating the win in Telangana too. 

While it is the Congress High Command which will take the final call on the state’s CM candidate, the party leaders are making their presence felt and are openly expressing their desire to become the CM.

Even though Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president A Revanth Reddy is a frontrunner and the first choice for the CM post as the person steering the Congress party in Telangana, many seniors are not behind him. 

First sign on six guarantees in December: 

Revanth 

While speaking at a public event, Revanth said, “Six guarantees will be placed before people and the first signature will be on December 9, 2023, by Congress party. Telangana samaj should stand by Congress.”

I will be CM after 10 years: Jagga Reddy 

Senior Congress leader and Sangareddy MLA Aredla Jagadeeshwar Reddy, popularly known as Jagga Reddy, was more open about his moves. 

“Even though I have to wait for 10 years, I will wait and I will become Telangana state CM,” he told the public. 

I am treated like CM: Jana Reddy 

Senior Congress leader K Jana Reddy too made no bones of wanting to become the CM, but in a different way.

“Whatever position I am in, I am treated like a CM with your blessings. Before and after the bifurcation too, people show me respect and consider me their CM. If lucky, who knows, I may also become CM like how PV Narasimha Rao became prime minister unexpectedly. If that’s the people’s wish my son will resign and I will contest and continue as the chief minister,” he said addressing party workers.

Mallu’s YSR style 

Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Congress Legislature party leader, Madhira (SC) MLA from Khammam district, who undertook a mega padayatra similar to what late former CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy had done, is another CM candidate. But he made it clear that the party will decide. 

“Congress will win with a big margin and form the government in Telangana. The Party and the CLP will decide the CM candidate," he said.

There is no dearth of CMs in Telangana Congress. There is a former TPCC president and MP Capt. N Uttam Kumar Reddy, MP Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, CWC permanent invitee, and former deputy CM, Damodar Raja Narasimha to name a few more. 

Dasoju Sravan, a BRS leader, taking a dig at CM aspirants in Congress, said, “They are not going to win even 15 seats, or their own seats in the past, and yet they have started fighting for CM chair. The state will go to dogs if Telangana falls into their hands. They will fight for the CM chair.” 

BJP may turn towards BCs for CM candidate 

BJP literally committed hara-kiri in Telangana. Fiery Bandi Sanjay, who raised the BJP graph as party president was unceremoniously removed and was replaced by Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of Northeast Region G Kishan Reddy. 

The impact is severe. Several leaders and cadre quit the party, the latest being former MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, brother of Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, the Bhuvanagiri Congress MP. 

The party now has CM aspirants in G Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay, and Eatala Rajender among others. 

However, the BJP is reaching out to candidates from Backward Classes (BCs) and is reportedly planning to make a BC candidate as CM if the party comes to power. 

Among the BC leaders in BJP, Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman (Munuru Kapu), Huzurabad MLA Eatala Rajender (Mudiraj) and Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay (Munurukapu) stand out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pick the CM candidate. 

BRS continues to have an edge over other parties, but the Opposition is not giving up hope along with CM candidates! 

 

CONGRESS LEADERSHIP `DUMPED 'SHARMILA'; SONIA RAHUL REMAIN NON-COMMITTAL ON TAKING HER ON BOARD

 

 

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 Siasat.com/News/India/Congress leadership ‘dumped’ Sharmila; Sonia, Rahul remain non-committal on taking her on board

Congress leadership ‘dumped’ Sharmila; Sonia, Rahul remain non-committal on taking her on board

 

 YS Sharmila with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

C R Gowri Shanker 

Follow on Twitter|   Published: 25th October 2023 4:46 pm IST

Hyderabad: YSRTP president Y S Sharmila learned Congress ‘dumping’ politics the hard way.

Sharmila, who went the extra mile to merge her Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Telangana Party (YSRTP) with Congress, was reportedly asked to wait till the Telangana assembly elections were over.

The YSRTP founder agreed to this proposal too but sought a commitment from the Congress High Command. But the latter failed to give, forcing her to contest the ensuing elections.

“Sharmila Garu was keen to merge YSRTP before the assembly elections. There have been talks in that direction with the Congress High Command. After initial deliberations, she was told that the merger could be considered after the assembly elections,” Tudi Devender Reddy, General Secretary, YSRTP told Siasat.com on Monday.

According to Devender Reddy, Sharmila agreed to this proposal too but wanted firm commitment from the Congress High Command. Though she waited for nearly four months, there was no response from the Congress.

“She offered unconditional merger of her party before elections, but they (Congress) put it off saying it will be considered after polls. She agreed to this proposal too but wanted assurance. Congress dodged the issue and no assurance was forthcoming from Congress side. This has upset and hurt her,” he added.

It is learnt Sharmila was initially asked to focus on Andhra Pradesh politics, but she declined and made it clear to Congress she would stay put in Telangana.

Sharmila is the daughter of former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, and sister of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Y S Sharmila has entered the India Book of Records for being “First Indian Woman to walk 3,800 kilometers (Padayatra) in the State of Telangana.

Sources in the Congress said that State leadership was not in favour of merger. “Unlike others, Sharmila is a go-getter and active politician. Her Padayatra speaks volumes about her political desire. Her entry will certainly create another power centre in Telangana Congress, which the present leadership wasn’t keen to share. Hence, they opposed it. Some felt that her entry could create Andhra/Telangana issue and affect the Congress chances in Telangana,” a senior Congress leader said.

With no response from Congress, the YSRTP leader decided to contest the ensuing Assembly elections in Telangana State.

Sharmila has already announced that her party would contest all the 119 assembly constituencies in the State.

However, it is reliably learnt that Sharmila will focus on 10/15 key Assembly constituencies including that of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao’s Gajwel and Kamareddy, TPCC president A Revanth Reddy’s Kodangal, and other VIP constituencies.

YSRTP had earlier explored the possibility of forming an alliance with the Congress in the State to avoid splitting votes and ensure the defeat of the ruling BRS Government.

Sharmila told party leaders that discussions took place with Congress bigwigs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in this regard, but the lack of clarity from the Congress led to the decision to contest independently.

Sharmila said she would contest from the Palair Assembly constituency, but her party leaders urged her to contest from one more segment. “I may contest from another constituency also and if the situation demands, my mother Vijayamma and husband Anil too will contest,” she said. A final decision will be taken soon.

Sharmila had met Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, party’s Karnataka unit president and present Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Bangalore to pursue her case in the past but in vain.

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

BRS TAKES BATHUKAMMA TO SOLAPUR: KAVITHA TO HEAD FESTIVITIES

 

 Siasat.com/Opinions/

  

BRS takes Bathukamma to Solapur; Kavitha to head festivities

                                        

C R Gowri Shanker 

Follow on Twitter|  

Published: 21st October 2023 8:40 pm IST 

Hyderabad: Bathukamma, Telangana’s famed festival, goes to Solapur, the land of textiles in Maharashtra for the first time.

Bharat Jagruthi headed by TRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha is organising the “Bathukamma Sambaralu” at Punjal Maidan in Solapur on Sunday and a team from Hyderabad are camping to oversee the arrangements.

After Telangana Rashtra Samithi supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao turned TRS into Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to test political waters at national level, its cultural wing Bharat Jagruthi too is following suit.

Solapur has a huge Telugu population, mostly weavers (Padmashali) community settled since ages; the town was once Textile hub of India. Padmashalis are into textiles business and known for Solapur chaddars (bedsheets), which are famous all over the country and world.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had recently visited Solapur, Kolhapur, Nanded and other places in Maharashtra to organise BRS party and has got a favourable response.

Though full-fledged BRS units are yet to be formed in Maharashtra where the party sees a bright future, BRS is entering Solapur in a big way through Bathukamma festival to involve the local women and others.
“We have decided to organise Bathukamma festivities in Solapur since there is a huge Telugu population of weavers’ community settled a long time ago. The response is very good. Bathukamma is a very popular festival in Telangana State and we plan to take it to other parts of the country,” Naveen Achari, Bharat Jagruthi General Secretary said.

According to Arunraj Sherikar, Sangareddy District Youth President, the response is good for the first major Bathukamma festival in Solapur, especially from the Telugu community.

Bharat Jagruthi founder president and MLC, Kalvakuntla Kavitha will be the chief guest at the festivities. Gold coins are being presented to best performers.

BRS has appointed Dasarath Narayan Gop, hailing from Padmashali community as Solapur City BRS in-charge and he is coordinating along with Nagesh Valyal and others in making Bathukamma festival a big success.

Bathukamma means “Mother Goddess comes alive.” It’s a spring festival of Goddess Gauri, one of the names of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and mother of Lord Ganesh. It also symbolizes the patron of Goddess womanhood. Bathukamma is a nine-day festival beginning Mahalaya Amavasya.

During the festival, women seek prosperity, happiness, good health for themselves and their families besides unmarried women hope of a good spouse.

They invoke the blessings of Goddesses.

Bathukamma festival, a symbol of Telangana culture and identity like Bonalu, got a big push after the formation of Telangana State on June 2, 2014 and is backed by the State.

 Siasat.com/C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

TELANGANA POLLS: CONGRESS BURIES `ONE FAMILY, ONE TICKET` NORM: ACCOMMODATES LEADERS-THEIR KINS

 

Telangana polls: Congress buries`one family, 

one ticket’ norm; accommodates leaders, their kins

Party’s first list of 55 candidates for the 119-seat Telangana assembly kicked up a furor in some constituencies and Gandhi Bhavan 

By C R Gowri Shanker 

Published on 16 Oct 2023 12:00 PM 

Hyderabad, Oct. 16: Congress has dumped its famed Udaipur Declaration of “one family one ticket” by providing two tickets to the newcomer and taking on board Ayarams and Gayarams.

Party’s first list of 55 candidates for the 119-seat Telangana assembly kicked up a furor in some constituencies and Gandhi Bhavan. 

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) headquarters, saw protests from party leaders who were denied tickets. There were scuffles, and protests across the State.

Mynampally Hanumanth Rao, Malkajgiri MLA, who quit Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) recently after the party denied a ticket to his son, Mynampally Rohit Rao for Medak assembly seat, had his way in the Congress. 

Hanumantha Rao not only got a ticket from the Malkajgiri Assembly segment; he ensured son Mynampally Rohit got a ticket from the Medak assembly seat. The BRS rebel leader had joined the Congress recently, probably on the assurance that he and his son would get tickets! 

Hanumanth Rao created a stir by publicly accusing Finance Minister T Harish Rao of backing sitting MLA Padma Devender Reddy for the Medak Assembly ticket instead of his son, who did yeoman public service in the constituency during the Covid period. 

He indulged in the character assassination of Harish Rao and threatened to quit. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao made it clear to Hanumanth Rao that it was left to him to contest from Malkajgiri or not. Rao decided to quit BRS and joined Congress. 

Udaipur Nav Sankalp Declaration of May 15, 2022 

“The principle of “one person, one post” should be followed. Likewise, the principle of “one family, one ticket” should also be ensured. In case another member of the family is politically active, they will be considered for a ticket only after five years of organizational experience,” the AICC Udaipur declaration says.

However, the rider of five years of organizational experience ensured two two-ticket norm goes for a toss since every party leader seeking a ticket for son, daughter, wife, brother, and close relatives will assert they are working for the party for a long time. And right connections, money power certainly matter in getting tickets. 

Ex-TPCC president N Uttam Kumar Reddy got a Huzur Nagar Assembly ticket while his wife N Padmavathi Reddy bagged a Kodad ticket. BRS turned Congress, newcomer, Vemula Veerasham got a Nakrekal SC ticket. There are many such cases. 

Padmavathi had been an MLA and the one family one ticket norm doesn’t apply to her and their family. 

Veteran Congress leader K Jana Reddy ensured his son K Jayaveer Reddy got Nagarjuna Sagar ticket in his place. He may contest for Lok Sabha elections.

Three Congress Lok Sabha members A Revanth Reddy (Malkajgiri), Komatireddy Venkat Reddy (Bhuvanagiri), and N Uttam Kumar Reddy (Nalgonda) got tickets to contest assembly polls.

“I understand the pain and anger of some leaders who were denied tickets. I have to follow AICC. As head of the party, I will accept bouquets and brickbats. It’s inevitable,” Revanth Reddy said over ticket Hungama. 

As AICC announced the first list of candidates for the Telangana Assembly elections, there has been an outburst of anger against the party's high command and State leadership over the denial of tickets to senior party leaders. 

Gandhi Bhavan was rocked by protests while many senior party leaders went public and lashed out at the TPCC president A Revanth Reddy and Congress high command for denying tickets to seniors and giving tickets to newcomers like Hanumantha Rao. 

At Udaipur, Congress announced wide-ranging organizational reforms, including more tickets to those under 50 years of age and enforcing 'one person, one post' and 'one family, one ticket' rules with riders. 

A senior Congress leader however clarified AICC put riders on one family, one post. 

“No person should hold one party position for more than five years to give opportunity to new people. Congress decided to apply '1 person, 1 post', and '1 family, 1 ticket' rules with riders. Ticket for second family member only after 5 years of party work. 50 percent representation to those below 50 years of age at all levels of organization,” he said. 

TPCC and Congress High Command drew flak from several senior party leaders who were denied assembly tickets including former APCC president Ponnala Laxmaiah. 

Ponnala quit Congress and decided to join BRS. He was personally invited to a party by Municipal Administration and IT Minister K T Rama Rao after he quit. 

“I decided to quit since I have no respect in the party. Respect, not post is important for me,” Ponnala Laxmaiah said. 

Demand for Congress assembly tickets in Telangana State has gone up and the party and its leaders are in an upbeat mood following a big win in neighboring Karnataka State party leadership in Telangana to see winds of change for the better in the State. 

Several party leaders sought two tickets. K Jana Reddy’s eldest son K Raghuveer Reddy has sought a Nagarjuna Sagar/Miryalaguda ticket while the youngest son applied for Nagarjuna Sagar. 

Damodar Raja Narasimha, a permanent invitee for the Congress Working Committee (CWC), who got the Andole (SC) constituency ticket again had pitched for his daughter Trisha. 

Mulug MLA Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, who got Mulugu ST ticket tried for her son Danasari Surya from Pinapaka. 

Couple Konda Murali and Konda Surekha sought two tickets—Surekha for Warangal East and Murali wants a Parkal ticket.

Former Minister P Janardhan Reddy’s son, P Vishnuvardhan Reddy and sister corporator P Vijaya Reddy are vying for two tickets. Vishnuvardhan Reddy wants Jubilee Hills, while sister Vijaya Reddy is seeking a ticket for the Khairtabad Assembly constituency. 

Former Secunderabad MP Anjan Kumar Yadav who got the Musheerabad Assembly ticket also wants a ticket for his son and TPCC Youth Congress general secretary Anil Kumar. 

Former Union Minister Balaram Naik sought a ticket for himself and his son. The list goes on. 

When the top leadership doesn't change, how can lower-level leaders change? When the first family of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi take top slots in the party, can the lower rung leaders be denied the same privilege? 

One likes it or not, Congress culture never changes, and it's in the news and limelight always!

AIMIM MIGHT REPLACE ITS YAKUTPURA CHARMINAR MLAs FOR TELANGANA ELECTIONS

AIMIM might replace its Yakutpura, 

Charminar MLAs 

for Telangana elections 

Currently, the party, which has a friendly tie-up with the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana, is in the process of finalising its candidates for the Assembly polls in 2023

 By C R Gowri Shanker 

Published on 14 Oct 2023 3:15 PM

Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which is set to regain all its seats in the Old City of Hyderabad, is planning to change two MLAs in the run-up to the Telangana Assembly polls 2023. 

The party is likely to drop Yakutpura MLA Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri and Charminar MLA Mumtaz Ahmed Khan from the contest while retaining its other candidates, highly placed sources have said.

Currently, the party, which has a friendly tie-up with the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana, is in the process of finalising its candidates for the Assembly polls in 2023, for which the schedule has been announced by the Election Commission of India.

While the BRS was the first to announce its list of candidates barring four seats, Congress and BJP are struggling to bring consensus among their leaders for the names of the MLA candidates. 

Asad, Akbaruddin to take final call on names 

AIMIM party national president Asaduddin Owaisi and AIMIM floor leader in the State Assembly, Akbaruddin Owaisi, will take a call on the list of candidates for the Assembly elections.

The MIM has seven MLAs in Hyderabad City: Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala (Malakpet), Jaffar Hussain (Nampally), Kausar Mohiuddin (Karwan), Mumtaz Ahmed Khan (Charminar), Akbaruddin Owaisi (Chandrayangutta), Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri (Yakutpura) and Mohd. Moazzam Khan (Bahadurpura). 

Former mayor might replace Yakutpura MLA 

Sources said ailing Yakutpura MLA Syed Pasha Quadri will be replaced by former Hyderabad mayor Mohd. Majid Hussain. Majid Hussain served as Hyderabad city mayor in 2012 and is currently representing Mehdipatnam as a GHMC corporator.

In 2018, Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri won the seat by defeating Sama Sunder Reddy of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now BRS) with a margin of 46,978 votes. Yakutpura Assembly constituency falls under the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency.

Mumtaz Ahmed Khan served six terms 

The party plans to replace the 75-year-old Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, representing the Charminar Assembly constituency, since he has served six terms as an MLA. 

In 2018, Mumtaz Ahmed Khan won the seat by defeating T Uma Mahendra of the Bharatiya Janata Party with a margin of 32,586 votes. Mohd Ghouse of the Indian National Congress (INC) came third with 16,899 votes and TRS Mohd Salahuddin Lodhi got only 6,223. 

The Charminar Assembly constituency falls under the under the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency. 

A former protem Speaker, Mumtaz Ahmed Khan started his political journey with the Congress party and later joined AIMIM. He won the MLA seat in 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2018.

MIM shapes Old City’s political climate 

AIMIM is confident of winning all the sitting Assembly seats. Recently, MIM leader and MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi announced in the Assembly that the party may field candidates in other parts of the state too. 

However, party sources say that MIM may be confined to Old City and its existing seats. 

There has been no competition for the MIM in the Old City of Hyderabad through the years. Though BJP and Congress put up a fight, AIMIM came on top as the winner because a majority of the minorities voted en masse in their constituencies for MIM.

MIM’s daily Janata Darbar popular among residents 

AIMIM is a people’s party as many said that the party’s MP, MLAs, MLCs, corporators and other leaders are more accessible than other leaders to all sections of society, including Hindus. The AIMIM leaders are always available to hear people’s grievances either in person or on the phone. 

Asaduddin Owaisi conducts Janata Darbar daily at the AIMIM headquarters in Darussalam in Nampally, Hyderabad, where people from all the Assembly constituencies of AIMIM can meet with their MP, MLAs and MLCs and ask for solutions to their civic issues and other grievances. 

Tirumala devotees use MIM letters for darshan 

Surprisingly, many Hindus take recommendation letters from AIMIM MP, MLAs and MLCs when they go for darshan of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh and also to seek accommodation. 

“A lot of Hindus in the Old City seek MIM letters when they visit Tirumala. They are our people and voters and we provide them with the letters. This is also how we help our brethren make their pilgrimage to Haj,” says an MIM leader.

 Siasat.com/C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

 

CENTRE PROMISES TO TAKE 40 CASTES AND COMMUNITIES OF TELANGANA ON ITS OBC LIST

 Siasat.com/Featured News/Centre promises to take 40 castes and communities of Telangana on its OBC list 

 C R Gowri Shanker| Published: 12th October 2023 8:45 pm IST

Hyderabad: The Centre has promised poll-bound Telangana State government to consider the inclusion of 40 castes/communities in the Central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

There has been concerted demand from Telangana and other States to include BCs of the State in the Central OBC list which helps in education, central government jobs, and others.

Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment informed Zaheerabad BRS MP B B Patil in a letter.

The Union Minister told Patil that the Centre has noted a request for the inclusion of the castes/communities in the Central list of OBCs. A letter was sent to Patil in this regard.

Patil said he had represented the Central Government several times for the inclusion of 40 castes and communities in the Central OBC list and the Centre had promised to consider it.

“The issue has been pending for the last 20 years. I am quite confident of Centre including 40 castes and communities of the State in the Central OBC list,” Patil told Siasat.com.

Patil said he had requested Chairman of National Commission for Backward Classes to conduct a public hearing regarding inclusion of 40 castes/communities in the OBC list.

The communities mentioned were socially, politically and financially backward and they would greatly benefit from inclusion in OBC list.

According to Shubhapradh Patel Nooli, Member of BC Commission, Telangana State, the government has been pursuing the case since the formation of the State.

“We are confident, Centre will accede to our plea,” he said.

Inclusion of more castes and communities in the Central OBC list has been delayed due to the extension of the Justice G Rohini Commission report, which was recently submitted.

Rohini Commission was constituted in October 2017 to bring order in the Central List of OBCs by weeding out repetitions and varying spellings, examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation and sub-categorisation of OBCs for providing reservation to the categories which are actually backward.

The Commission finally submitted its report to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu recently.

Telangana recommends 40 castes/communities

The Telangana government has recommended the inclusion of 40 castes in the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The recommendation is vital as OBCs comprise almost half of the poll-bound state’s population and are electorally significant.

Inclusion in the list helps socially and educationally backward classes to tap into 27 percent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. At present, there are 87 castes from Telangana on the central OBC list.

2633 OBCs recognised by Centre in the country

OBC helps in admissions in Navodaya schools, IITs, IIMs, IAS, IPS, IRS and other Central education and services.

The Central OBC list for the State of undivided Andhra Pradesh was first published in the year 1993 with 93 communities.

After formation of Telangana State in 2014, the government forwarded the State list of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes with (113) communities for notification in the Central list of OBCs for the State of Telangana.

However, the Centre notified only 87 communities leaving out others. The State government wrote to National Commission for Backward Classes to include the left-out communities in the Central list.

Telangana has included (17) new communities in the State list of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes in the year 2020 and these communities are also required to be included in the Central List of OBCs.

In all, 40 communities pertaining to Telangana are required to be included in the Central List of OBCs for the State of Telangana. Subsequently, after repeated requests, the NCBC has conducted a hearing on the inclusion of these (40) communities.

“I and Patil Sir had represented at the hearing for inclusion of Veerashaiva Lingayat and Linga Balija communities besides other communities in the Central OBC list in New Delhi,” the BC Commission member disclosed.

The list of 40 castes/communities sought to be included in the OBC list from Telangana State are:

1. Bukka Ayyavars
2. Gotrala
3. Orphans
4. Bodili
5. Are Marathi Maratha (Non-Brahmins), Arakalies and Surabhi Natakalavallu.
6. Are, Arevallu, Arollu
7. Aghamudian, Aghamudiar, Agamudivellalar and Agamudimudaliar (including
   Thuluva Vellalas) (Area confined to Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts only)
8. Sondi/ Sundi
9. Varala
10. Sistakaranam
11. Veerashaiva Lingayat/ Lingabalija
12. Achchukattalavandlu, Singali, Singamvallu, Achchupanivallu,
    Achchukattuvaru, Achukatlavandlu
13. Attar Saibulu, Attarollu
14. Dhobi Muslim/ Muslim Dhobi/ Dhobi Musalman, Turka Chakla or Turka Sakala, Turaka Chakali, Tulukka Vannan, Tsakalas, Sakalas or Chakalas, Muslim Rajakas
15. Garadi Muslim, Garadi Saibulu, Pamulavallu, Kani-Kattuvallu, Garadollu, Garadiga
16. Gosangi Muslim, Phakeer Sayebulu
17. Guddi Eluguvallu, Elugu Bantuvallu, Musalman Keelu Gurralavallu
18. Hajam, Nai, Nai Muslim, Navid
19. Labbi, Labbai, Labbon, Labba
20. Pakeerla, Borewale, Deera Phakirlu, Bonthala
21. Shaik/ Sheikh
22. Siddi, Yaba, Habshi, Jasi
23. Turaka Kasha, Kakkukotte Zinka Saibulu, Chakkitakanevale, Terugadu Gontalavaru, Thirugatigantla, Rollaku Kakku Kottevaru, Pattar Phodulu, Chakketakare, Thuraka Kasha
24. Addapuvaru
25. Bagothula/ Bhagavathula
26. Bail Kammara/ Ghisadi/ Gadiya Lohar
27. Enooti/ Yenetivallu
28. Ganjikuti/ Ganjikutivaru
29. Gouda Jetti
30. Kakipadagala
31. Patamvaru/ Masaiahlu
32. Odd/ Od/ Oad
33. Sonnayila/ Sannayila/ Sannayollu
34. Sri Kshatriya Ramajogi/ Ramajogi/ Ramajogula
35. Theracheerala/ Telsoori/ Baikani
36. Tholubommalatavaru/ Boppala
37. Aheer/ Aheer Yadav
38. Govili/Govlii/ Gouli/Gavli
39. Kulla Kadagi/ Kulle Kadigi/ Chittepu and;
40. Sarollu/Soma Vamsha Kshatriya

To

Dr. Virendra Kumar ji,

Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice

& Empowerment,

Government of India,

New Delhi.

Sir,

Sub : Central OBC List – Inclusion of (40) castes/communities

in the Central List of OBCs for the State of Telangana –

Request – Regarding.

Ref : 1. Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of India,

Gazette Resolution No.12011/68/93-BCC(C),

dated.10.09.1993.

2. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,

Government of India, Gazette Resolution

No.12011/4/2014-BC-II, dated.11.08.2016.

3. D.O.Lr.No.2260/BCW/OP/2016, dated.09.09.2016 of

the Principal Secretary to Government, Backward

Classes Welfare Dept, Govt of Telangana.

4. G.O.Ms.No.3, BCW(B) Dept., dated.09.09.2020.

5. F.No.NCBC/09/09/323/2020-AT, Dt.17.12.2021

from the NCBC, New Delhi.

@@@@@

I bring to your kind notice, the issue of inclusion of (40) communities

pertaining to the State of Telangana in the Central List of OBCs for early

favourable orders of the Government of India.

Sir, I submit that, the Central OBC list for the State of undivided Andhra

Pradesh was first published in the year 1993 with 93 communities vide reference 1 st cited. 

Subsequently, the State Government have included several communities in the State list and similarly, the Central list was also further amended from time to time. However, inclusion of certain communities in the Central list is still pending.

Meanwhile, in the year 2014, separate State of Telangana was formed

carving out from the erstwhile State of Andhra Pradesh through the Andhra

Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (Central Act No.6 of 2014). 

Consequently, the Government of Telangana has forwarded the State list of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes with (113) communities for notifying the Central list of OBCs for the State of Telangana. 

However, the Government of India, vide reference 2 nd cited has notified the Central list with only (90) communities leaving out (23) communities for the reasons not known. 

Noticing this discrepancy, the Govt. of Telangana has requested the Member Secretary, NCBC vide reference 3 rd cited to include the left out (23) communities in the Central list. These communities were included in the State list between 2007 to 2011 and are awaiting their inclusion in Central list.

Further, I bring to your kind notice that, the Govt of Telangana has

included (17) new communities in the State list of Socially and Educationally

Backward Classes in the year 2020 vide reference 4 th cited and these

communities are also required to be included in the Central List of OBCs. In all, (40) communities pertaining to Telangana are required to be included in the Central List of OBCs for the State of Telangana.

Subsequently, after repeated requests, the NCBC has issued schedule for

conduct of hearing on inclusion of these (40) communities vide reference 5 th cited. Hearings were conducted in the office of the NCBC at New Delhi from 22.12.2021 to 24.12.2021 and representatives of all the communities have attended the hearings. The Government of Telangana have submitted relevant material and also deputed two officers of Telangana Commission for Backward Classes as State representatives to assist the NCBC with relevant record.

Myself, being the Member of Telangana State Commission for Backward

Classes and Shri.B.B.Patil, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (LS), both belonging to the Veerashaiva Lingayat/ Lingabalija community, have attended the hearings and pleaded for inclusion of this community in the Central List of OBCs.

I bring to your kind notice that the people of Veerashaiva Lingayat/

Lingabalija community are Socially, Educationally, Economically and Politically backward. 

The community people eke out their livelihood through agriculture, agriculture labour and petty businesses. Historically, they were not allowed admission into Sanskrit colleges in Mysore State. 

The Brahmin scholars refuse to teach Sanskrit to Veerashaiva Lingayats. They were looked down as Shudras and thus they are socially backward.

Keeping the Social, Educational, Economical and Political backwardness in view, the then State of Andhra Pradesh has included the Veerashaiva Lingayat/ Lingabalija community in the State List of Socially and

Educationally Backward Classes under Group-D at Sl.No.46 in the year 2009.

However, Veerashaiva Lingayat/ Lingabalija community could not reap the

benefits/opportunities under Central Government as they are not yet included in the Central List of OBCs till date. Our community people are foregoing their legitimate right of reservations in Central Government sector i.e. right from admissions in Navodaya Schools to IITs/IIMs and from Class-IV to IAS/IPS/IRS recruitments.

During the hearings took place in December, 2021 the NCBC has assured

that our request will be considered positively and the Veerashaiva Lingayat/

Lingabalija community will be included in the Central OBC list, but till date no such orders are passed.

This is not just the case of Veerashaiva Lingayat/ Lingabalija community

alone, but of all the (40) communities that are due for inclusion in the Central List of OBCs for the State of Telangana.

On behalf of the Telangana State Commission for Backward Classes, I

request the Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment,

Government of India to kindly look into the matter and pass necessary orders for inclusion of these (40) communities in the Central List of OBCs for the State of Telangana. Your kind positive consideration will be remembered for generations

to come.

Thanking you Sir,

Yours faithfully

(N.Shubhapradh Patel)

List of communities to be included

in the Central List of OBCs for the State of Telangana.

1. Bukka Ayyavars

2. Gotrala

3. Orphans

4. Bodili

5. Are Marathi Maratha (Non-Brahmins), Arakalies and Surabhi Natakalavallu.

6. Are, Arevallu, Arollu

7. Aghamudian, Aghamudiar, Agamudivellalar and Agamudimudaliar (including

Thuluva Vellalas) (Area confined to Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts only)

8. Sondi/ Sundi

9. Varala

10. Sistakaranam

11. Veerashaiva Lingayat/ Lingabalija

12. Achchukattalavandlu, Singali, Singamvallu, Achchupanivallu,

Achchukattuvaru, Achukatlavandlu

13. Attar Saibulu, Attarollu

14. Dhobi Muslim/ Muslim Dhobi/ Dhobi Musalman, Turka Chakla or Turka

Sakala, Turaka Chakali, Tulukka Vannan, Tsakalas, Sakalas or Chakalas,

Muslim Rajakas

15. Garadi Muslim, Garadi Saibulu, Pamulavallu, Kani-Kattuvallu, Garadollu,

Garadiga

16. Gosangi Muslim, Phakeer Sayebulu

17. Guddi Eluguvallu, Elugu Bantuvallu, Musalman Keelu Gurralavallu

18. Hajam, Nai, Nai Muslim, Navid

19. Labbi, Labbai, Labbon, Labba

20. Pakeerla, Borewale, Deera Phakirlu, Bonthala

21. Shaik/ Sheikh

22. Siddi, Yaba, Habshi, Jasi

23. Turaka Kasha, Kakkukotte Zinka Saibulu, Chakkitakanevale, Terugadu

Gontalavaru, Thirugatigantla, Rollaku Kakku Kottevaru, Pattar Phodulu,

Chakketakare, Thuraka Kasha

24. Addapuvaru

25. Bagothula/ Bhagavathula

26. Bail Kammara/ Ghisadi/ Gadiya Lohar

27. Enooti/ Yenetivallu

28. Ganjikuti/ Ganjikutivaru

29. Gouda Jetti

30. Kakipadagala

31. Patamvaru/ Masaiahlu

32. Odd/ Od/ Oad

33. Sonnayila/ Sannayila/ Sannayollu

34. Sri Kshatriya Ramajogi/ Ramajogi/ Ramajogula

35. Theracheerala/ Telsoori/ Baikani

36. Tholubommalatavaru/ Boppala

37. Aheer/ Aheer Yadav

38. Govili/Govlii/ Gouli/Gavli

39. Kulla Kadagi/ Kulle Kadigi/ Chittepu

40. Sarollu/Soma Vamsha Kshatriya

Siasat.com/Featured News/Telangana, AP politicians making a beeline for Giri Pradakshina at Arulmigu temple in TN

Telangana, AP politicians making a beeline for Giri Pradakshina at Arulmigu temple in TN

 C R Gowri Shanker |   Updated: 9th October 2023 10:24 pm IST

Hyderabad: Think of Arulmigu Annamalaiyar Temple, popularly known as Arulmigu Arunchaleswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, Giri Pradakshina is the first thing that comes to the mind of devotees.

Young and old devotees of Sri Arunchaleswarar make it a point on auspicious days or life time to undertake the grueling 14 km Giri Pradakshina, where devotees walk around the temple adjacent to a hill, barefoot.

Of late, devotees especially politicians from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country make it a point to visit the temple and undertake the Giri Pradakshina for God’s blessings and fulfillment of their vows. Devotees believe that Pradakshina removes sins and fulfils desires.

Arunachaleswarar Temple is located in Tiruvannamalai city of Tiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu State.

Giri Pradakshina

Devotees, begin the Giri Pradakshina by offering prayers at the presiding deity of the main temple or offer prayers to the main deity after the Pradakshina.

Interestingly, devotees also make it a point to pray at eight Shiva temples on the way before entering the main temple.

Sri Ramana Maharshi says each step during Pradakshina brings happiness: one step for happiness in this world, two steps for happiness in heaven, and three steps for the bliss of Satya Loka.

During Pradakshina, some maintain silence, some chant Lord’s name, some sing devotional songs etc. Siddhars, revered spiritual practitioners, are believed to still reside on the hill.

Traditional dress must

Devotees have to wear traditional dress like dhoti, shirt, and trouser for men and saree, half saree, churidars for women and girls for entry into temple.

Tiruvannamalai town features an octagonal structure due to the presence of eight lingams placed in eight directions.

Visit 8 temples during Giri Pradakshina

Devotees undertaking Giri Pradakshina offers prayers at the eight temples enroute Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam, and Esanya Lingam before offering prayers to the presiding deity. Some offer prayers to presiding deity first and undertake the Giri Pradakshina.

Normally, it takes about 3 hours to 4 hours to complete the 14 km Giri Pradakshina by walk around the hill depending on the weather conditions and individuals’ walking capacity. For elderly people, it may take couple of hours more. Most devotees prefer to walk early mornings or evening.

Temple crowded during Purnima–Full Moon

Giri Pradakshina can be performed any time in a year, but it’s auspicious on full moon days. Temple is crowded during Full moon days.

There are two pathways: outer pathway (commonly travelled by devotees) dotted with temples and inner path, normally closed for security reasons, passes through the forest and difficult to walk without footwear.

Of late, many devotees who are unable to walk prefer to do Giri Pradakshina by auto, car and other mode of vehicles.

Temple history

Arulmigu Annamalaiyar Temple, known as Arulmigu Arunchaleswarar Temple, is situated at the foothills of a 2668 feet high hill in Tiruvannamalai, a holy city.

This Shiva temple is one considered of the sacred Siva shrines of Panchaboota Lingams, five elements of nature. In Hinduism, entire universe is made of five spiritual elements of Fire, Land, Water, Sky and Air.

Agni Lingam

The Lingam of the Arunachalam Temple is the Agni Lingam form of Lord Shiva and the temple is one of the largest in the country.  Girivalam, or circumambulating the sacred hill is a major spiritual activity.

The presiding deity is Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar and his consort is Unnamalaiyar. Major Tamil literature like Thevaram and Thiruvempavai by the Nayanars mention the Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple.

This temple and temple town is considered to be rich in spiritual heritage, dotted with several ashrams and samadhis dedicated to saints and spiritual leaders from all over the country.

Arunachallam is a fine example of rich Dravidian architecture and sculptures. Inscriptions on temple indicate it was built during the reign of early Chola kings and expanded by Hoysala (Bhosala) king, Vijayanagara Nayakar kings.

Significance of Arunachala Giri Pradakshina is that it’s the only temple in the country other than Mount Kailasa in Tibet were Giri Pradakshina is done.

Temple town is accessible from Hyderabad and other parts of the country by road, rail and air. It is 190 km from Tirupati.

There are government and private accommodations to stay.

 Siasat.com/C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

More photos:

Arunachalesvara or Annamalaiyar and Unnamalai Amman or Apithakucha Ambal presiding dieties

Courtesy: Wikipedia