Harish Rao welcomes Supreme Court verdict on SC, ST sub-categorisation

HYDERABAD: Former Minister T Harish Rao expressed joy on behalf of the BRS party over the Supreme Court's verdict on the sub-categorisation of SCs and STs.

Speaking in the Telangana Legislative Assembly, Harish Rao highlighted the efforts of the previous BRS government, led by K Chandrashekhar Rao, in advocating for this sub-categorisation since November 29, 2014.

Harish Rao recalled that KCR, as the leader of the house, had introduced a resolution demanding immediate sub-categorisation. The BRS party had unanimously called on the central government to undertake this sub-categorisation. KCR personally presented the resolution to the Prime Minister, accompanied by the then Deputy Chief Ministers and Dalit leaders, to emphasise its importance.

He mentioned that KCR had clearly explained the significance of sub-categorisation to the Prime Minister, who had responded positively, acknowledging it as a legitimate demand and promising a resolution. Harish Rao noted that the struggle for sub-categorisation had been long and arduous, with many sacrifices, including lives lost in the fight.

Harish Rao criticised the previous government for neglecting the plight of those who had sacrificed their lives, particularly mentioning the Madigas who had self-immolated near Gandhi Bhavan. He praised KCR and the BRS party for providing ex-gratia to the families of the deceased immediately after coming to power.

He accused the Congress party of betrayal and reminded that under the leadership of Manda Krishna Madiga, many Madigas had protested at Gandhi Bhavan against the Congress's refusal to implement sub-categorisation. Harish Rao emphasised that the BRS government had supported the families of the martyrs, unlike the Congress, which had ignored them.

Harish Rao expressed immense happiness over the Supreme Court's verdict, calling it a realisation of a decades-old dream. He also extended full support from the BRS party to the bill introduced by the government for the establishment of a Skill University. However, he expressed disappointment over recent conduct in the assembly, condemning the disrespect shown towards women legislators.