Backwardness only benchmark to decide OBC status, not religion: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Maintaining that a disinformation campaign is continuing on social media by some quarters, she asserted that there is no connection with religion in deciding the inclusion of any person in the OBC category.
Noting that the only benchmark for deciding OBC status in the State is backwardness, Ms. Banerjee said that a commission set up by the government is holding a survey on 50 new subsections for inclusion in that category.
The Chief Minister said that 49 subsections have been included under the OBC-A and 91 under OBC-B categories. She said that while more backward sections of people have been included under OBC-A, the less backward people come under OBC-B.
The Chief Minister addressed the House after laying the annual report of the West Bengal Commission for Backward Classes for the financial year 2024-25.
Ms. Banerjee said that all inclusions have been done after extensive field surveys and on the basis of recommendations by the Commission appointed for identification of such people.
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Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
An extraordinary and unfolding political journey
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This quiet act of humility which left a lasting impression, spoke volumes about his grounded upbringing, cultural values, ability to recognize and remember people across an ever-present, infectious smile and a demeanor marked by warmth, grace, and boundless energy, he embodies a rare mix of political clarity and personal accessibility. His strong focus on development, active listening to feedback, open, and honest dialogue depicted his receptivity to I could not help but recall his illustrious father, AP Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, with whom I had the privilege of occasionally interacting during my tenure as Faculty Member at Dr MCR HRD Institute (1995–2004). Similar meticulous attention to governance, data-driven thinking, and people-centric leadership appeared to flow, in contemporary idiom, through Lokesh, as legacy meets innovation in thenext generation leader. Lokesh's natural instinct as I understood in that few minutes is never to say 'No' but how best to say 'Yes' even if that means reasoning diplomatically when circumstances demand otherwise. This reminded me KPS Menon, a prominent diplomat and served as an Ambassador to USSR, according to whom, a diplomat says 'yes' to mean 'Perhaps,' says 'Perhaps' to mean 'No' and never says was thus evident that, here is a leader who listens, learns, and leads, not from a pedestal, but from among the people, with a blend of optimism, realism, and humility. I had then, the unexpected honour of receiving a personally gifted copy of the Book, The Voice of People,a seminal chronicle of Lokesh's extraordinary and unfolding political journey. This is a living document of step-by-step, village-by-village account of 'the story of the Historic Yuvagalam (the voice of the youth) Padayatra' across AP. Nara Brahmani described the book as nothing short of a 'Game Changer.' 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A swift initial perusal of the book's content itselfand eventually the entire book, I decided to share my impressions. In fact, when, on receiving the book, I offered to write review, Lokesh's immediate response was both open and admirable: 'Sure, be critical also wherever you feel so.' That one remark spoke volumes. In a political culture often resistant to scrutiny, Lokesh's willingness to invite criticism reflects not just maturity but democratic depth, a trait that every meaningful public leader would do well to emulate. The coffee table book offers a rich, pictorial, and content-driven narrative of the 226-day, 3132-kilometer-long Road to People's Happiness which touched 15 million individuals across 2094 villages in 232 mandals of 97 constituencies spanning 11 AP districts between January 27, 2023, and December book captures this massive and unprecedented public outreach, in vivid detail as to how Lokesh shared his dreams for a brighter AP with people from all walks of life. 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Gradually,The Voice of People unfolded not just a travelogue, but a chronicle of transformation, capturing Lokesh's evolving dialogue with citizens, his grasp of local issues, and the emotional pulse of a state yearning for change, which can be noticed on reading the book. The Voice of the Peopleis referred to as 'Vox Populi' in Latin. In many ways, this book mirrors the spirit of the legendary Vox Populi column from Rusi K Karanjia's Blitz Magazine. Karanjia used that space not merely for reportage, but as a platform of resistance, challenging power structures and amplifying public sentiment. Similarly, The Voice of People book captures not just events, but emotions; not just a leader's march, but state's collective yearning. Lokesh's padayatra across villages, mandals, and constituencies reflected democratic energy in motion. 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Having worked with one Governor and two formidable Chief Ministers in Public RelationsRoles, and seen leadership at close quarters,what left an indelible image in me was, revelation of rare blend of sincerity, method, and connect that sets Lokesh apart, the way I found in those three great leaders with whom I worked. Ability, Capability and Leadership Quality in Politics is God Given Gift. Hard Work, Intellect, Oratory Skills, Legacy,andlittle bit of luck are essential skills. 'The Voice of People' portraysthese characteristic qualities in Lokesh. The stories, images, and testimonials from every corner of Andhra Pradesh offer more than evidence, echoing people's affirmation. That courteous moment at his residence now feels like an introduction to something larger - the emergence of a new-generation leader rooted in people-first politics. 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Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
Urban local body polls: Citing Census, Himachal govt postpones reservation roster, poll panel says not for you to decide
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
KMC razes illegal stalls, reclaims govt plot on Anwar Shah Road
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