YS Sharmila, the president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, on Friday advocated for a caste census in Andhra Pradesh, arguing it is crucial for ensuring fair resource distribution to Backward Classes (BCs), the state’s largest demographic group. "The Congress is committed to the development of BCs," Sharmila stated, stressing that a caste census would help to "ensure justice for BCs".


She directed her appeal to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and urged him to initiate a caste census in the state, as reported by PTI. Sharmila also took the opportunity to commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a representative for BCs but criticised his leadership, claiming BCs have seen minimal benefits under his tenure. 


She alleged that senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh had pledged a BC caste census back in 2017 but subsequently failed to fulfill that commitment. Labeling the BJP as an "upper-caste party," Sharmila accused it of not fully supporting BC communities.


Sharmila also addressed YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, calling for his resignation if he lacks the “boldness” to participate in the upcoming assembly session set to begin on November 11. This statement follows YSRCP’s decision to boycott the session. 


YS Sharmila challenged Jagan and YSRCP MLAs to attend the assembly.


The APCC chief's call for a caste census aligns with neighboring Telangana’s ongoing caste-based data collection efforts. On the other hand, in Karnataka last month, the Congress government is set to release the findings of a caste census submitted by the backward classes commission eight months ago, said Karnataka's Home Minister, G Parameshwara. The census came even as Vokkaligas and Lingayats, the two dominant caste groups in the state, opposed the move. 


Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has been pushing for caste census across the country. 


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