Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday the imminent formation of a committee dedicated to addressing the demands of the Madigas, a Scheduled Caste community, regarding the categorization of Scheduled Castes. Speaking at a rally organized by the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS), a prominent Madiga community organization in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Modi expressed the government's commitment to ending the perceived injustice that has persisted for the last three decades, as reported by PTI.
The MRPS has long advocated for the categorization of Scheduled Castes, asserting that the benefits of reservations have not adequately reached their community. Modi acknowledged the BJP's consistent support for their cause over the years and assured the formation of a committee to explore various avenues for empowering the Madigas.
During the rally, Manda Krishna Madiga, the founder of MRPS, shared an emotional moment with Modi, who described Madiga as his younger brother and pledged his support in their struggle for justice. Modi acknowledged past political betrayals and apologized on behalf of those who had made unfulfilled promises to the Madigas.
In addition to addressing the concerns of the Madiga community, Modi criticized Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for insulting former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi in the assembly, deeming it shameful. He also accused Nitish Kumar of disrespecting the late Dalit leader Ram Vilas Paswan. Modi took a swipe at the Congress, alleging that the party obstructed B R Ambedkar's electoral victories and delayed his recognition with the Bharat Ratna.
Turning his attention to Telangana, Modi criticized the ruling BRS government, accusing it of failing to fulfill promises made during the statehood agitation. He questioned the implementation and impact of the 'Dalit Bandhu' scheme, alleging irregularities in beneficiary selection. Modi further accused the BRS government of involvement in irrigation and liquor scams, portraying the party as more focused on corruption than effective governance.
