Bengaluru declaration urges Centre to adopt Telangana model for caste census

The Congress OBC Advisory Council meeting in Bengaluru on Wednesday, 16 July, urged the Centre to carry out the proposed national caste census with the Telangana caste survey as a model.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, under whose leadership the two-day meeting was held, said the 'Bengaluru declaration' has demanded that "The Census must include social, economic and educational, employment, political aspects of each individual and caste."

A second resolution passed at the event said that Congress will break the 50 per cent cap on reservation, thereby ensuring a suitable quota for the OBC in education, service, political, and other areas.

In another resolution it said there should be a reservation for OBCs in private educational institutions as per Article 15 (4) of the Indian Constitution.

The Congress also resolved to carry out "an intense and fierce nationwide campaign" to insist on these demands.

The Advisory Council also unanimously thanked 'Nyaya Yoddha' (fighter for justice) Rahul Gandhi for taking up the cause of social justice for the marginalised sections of society.

"Rahulji’s steady resolve forced the Manuvadi Modi government to surrender to the just and constitutional demand for the caste census in India. On behalf of all the backward classes of India, the council conveys its upfront appreciation and credits Rahul Gandhi’s contribution for this historic achievement," the CM said.

Siddaramaiah said getting the Centre to agree to a caste survey was a small step by the Congress in ensuring social justice.

"Under the brave and unflinching leadership of Nyaya Yoddha Rahul Gandhi ji, India is destined to realise and achieve the ultimate constitutional objective of social empowerment leading to an egalitarian and equal society in our great nation," Siddaramaiah added.

Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot moved a resolution to strengthen Congress OBC leadership and organise regular workshops on OBC-related issues.

It was also decided in the meeting to coordinate and organise mega public rallies in the state capitals to be addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.