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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Amid BRS family feud, Kavitha's Hyderabad rail roko call sets up a litmus test
K Kavitha, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader and daughter of Telangana's former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, is set to face a political litmus test on July 17. Amid an unabating feud with her brother and the party's working president, K T Rama Rao, Kavitha has called a rail roko in Hyderabad on that day to demand the implementation of 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BC) in local body elections. She has a formidable ally in BC leader R Krishnaiah, a BJP Rajya Sabha MP. Sources close to Krishnaiah said, 'K Kavitha was the first to reach out from her party to seek a meeting. She convinced (Krishnaiah) to give her a listen even though they are from two different parties.' Kavitha is learnt to have reminded Krishnaiah of the support he gave the BRS during the agitation for Telangana's statehood. Sources close to Kavitha said she is of the opinion that the BRS should regain its stature as a party that starts an agitation whenever there is a need for it. Her brother, widely known as KTR, however, prefers to be in 'governance mode', the sources said. In a media briefing earlier this month, Kavitha had said, 'Isn't BC reservation a matter that the BRS leadership is concerned with? From Telangana Jagruthi, we plan to take up agitation for the BCs.' While Kavitha has won part of the battle with Krishnaiah's support, her stature in Telangana politics will be defined by the success of her rail roko call, which brings up memories of the agitation that the BRS, led by her father KCR, had taken up for the cause of a Telangana state between 2009 and 2014. During this time, the BRS was known as a party born of a people's movement. 'We hope Kavitha can resurrect a similar sentiment among people. She is focusing on a major voting bloc, the Backward Classes,' said a leader close to her. According to a survey conducted by the state government, BCs account for at least 56% of Telangana's population. However, 42% reservation for the BC would breach the 50% reservation cap set by the Supreme Court and would need the Centre's nod for implementation. The Congress government in Telangana, under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, had passed a Bill recommending implementation of 42% reservation for BCs in education, employment and local body elections in the state. While this Bill got the assent of the Governor, it is pending approval at the President's office. BRS's protest is therefore a nudge to the Centre to implement 42% BC reservations, sources close to Kavitha said. 'Other than passing the Bill and visiting Delhi to meet the Congress High Command, Revanth Reddy has not done much to convince the Centre to allow the breach of the 50% reservation cap,' a BRS source said. The rail roko will also bring to the fore the leaders who support Kavitha. 'Clearly, there is a division in the BRS leadership from the top. We need to see how many leaders of the BRS come out in support of the rail roko and how many want to work with Kavitha on the ground,' a BRS leader said.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Caste Census Key to Social Justice, Says Youth Welfare President Khalid Naveed
Mahabubnagar: Social activist Khalid Naveed, President of Youth Welfare Mahabubnagar, has welcomed the proposed national caste census by the central government as a crucial step towards ensuring social justice and equality in India. In a press statement, he emphasized that for decades, caste data collection has been limited to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, leaving Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other marginalized communities underrepresented in policymaking. 'The caste census will provide accurate socio-economic data, allowing the government to better target welfare schemes and reservations,' Naveed stated. He noted that existing programs often fail to reach the most disadvantaged due to intersecting inequalities of caste, gender, geography, and poverty. Following the release of Bihar's caste census in 2023, which revealed that OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes made up over 63% of the state's population, several states including Telangana initiated similar surveys. This created momentum for a nationwide caste census, now backed by the Central Government—a significant policy shift after 70 years. Naveed also referenced the 1980 Mandal Commission, which advocated for OBC reservations but lacked updated caste data. Similarly, the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census was never fully published, drawing criticism from scholars and activists. While critics argue the census might deepen caste divisions, Naveed stressed that a transparent and accurate caste enumeration would promote fair representation, help recalibrate reservation policies, and ensure that affirmative action reaches those who need it most.
Hans India
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Kamal Haasan Stands Firm On Kannada-Tamil Language Remarks, Refuses To Apologize
Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has firmly rejected demands for a public apology regarding his controversial statement about the Kannada language's origins, maintaining his position that he will only apologize if proven wrong. The 70-year-old actor's defiant stance has intensified the linguistic controversy that erupted after his remarks during a promotional event for his upcoming film "Thug Life." Speaking exclusively to India Today, Haasan emphasized his principled approach to the situation, stating that apologizing when not at fault goes against his personal philosophy. He characterized his stance as a lifestyle choice that should not be interfered with, while affirming his belief in India's democratic values and legal system. The controversy began when Haasan made statements during a film promotion event where he declared that Kannada was born out of Tamil. Speaking at the event, he began with the phrase "Uyire Urave Tamizhe," meaning "My life and my family is Tamil," before explaining that Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who was present, represented family living in another state. Haasan then made the contentious claim that the Kannada language originated from Tamil, suggesting this linguistic connection justified including Karnataka's people in his familial reference. The remarks triggered immediate backlash across Karnataka, with pro-Kannada organizations, cultural groups, and political leaders demanding an apology from the actor. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce responded by announcing a complete ban on the release of "Thug Life" in the state, following through on their ultimatum for Haasan to issue a public apology. When confronted about the threats and potential consequences of his statements, Haasan displayed characteristic composure, simply noting that he had faced threats before and remained undeterred by the current situation. Karnataka's political establishment has unanimously condemned Haasan's remarks, with leaders across party lines expressing their displeasure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the actor's understanding of Kannada's historical significance, emphasizing the language's extensive and independent heritage. The Chief Minister suggested that Haasan lacked awareness of Kannada's rich linguistic tradition and deep historical roots. State Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, who oversees Backward Classes Welfare, Kannada, and Culture portfolios, went further by formally requesting the film ban and writing to the Film Chamber. His letter argued that Haasan's statements had deeply wounded the sentiments of all Kannadigas and that such remarks about their land, water, and language were intolerable regardless of the speaker's stature. The ruling Congress party in Karnataka described Haasan's comments as reflecting ignorance about Kannada's greatness, while the opposition BJP demanded an immediate apology, accusing the actor-politician of disrespecting the language and its speakers. However, the Tamil film industry has rallied behind Haasan, with several prominent actors and industry figures defending his position. Kollywood personalities including Divya Spandana and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan have supported the actor, arguing that all South Indian languages belong to the Dravidian family and characterizing the controversy as unnecessary drama. The supporters have emphasized the linguistic connections between Dravidian languages while dismissing the outrage as an overreaction to academic observations about language evolution and relationships. The controversy has taken on additional political dimensions given Haasan's role as head of Makkal Needhi Maiam, a political party allied with the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu. Reports suggest that Haasan is being considered as the DMK's nominee for a Rajya Sabha seat, adding political stakes to the linguistic dispute. The incident highlights the sensitive nature of language politics in South India, where linguistic identity remains deeply intertwined with regional pride and cultural heritage. The controversy demonstrates how academic discussions about language origins can quickly escalate into major political and cultural disputes when they touch upon regional sensitivities and historical narratives that communities hold dear.
Hans India
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Revanth cabinet redefines social justice in Telangana, sets national benchmarks
In a groundbreaking move that is poised to reshape the political and administrative landscape of Telangana, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's cabinet expansion on June 8 marks a historic moment for transformative inclusion. For the first time since the formation of the state, four leaders from Scheduled Castes (SC) and three from the Backward Classes (BC) have been inducted into the 15-member Council of Ministers, in the process establishing a powerful precedent for representative governance. This significant decision by his government is not a token political gesture but a conscious, structural shift aimed at placing the voice of the marginalized at the center of power. The inclusion of SC ministers now holding 26.66 per cent of the cabinet positions—well above the community's population share of 17.43 per cent is a bold, unprecedented step toward rectifying historical imbalances. Unlike previous regimes that often confined such inclusion to symbolic levels, Revanth Reddy has taken a resolute step towards real empowerment, translating his party's commitment to social justice into actionable governance. At the core of this historic move lies a deeper ideological and policy infrastructure that sets Telangana apart as a model state in the realm of inclusive governance. Under his visionary leadership, Telangana became the first state to undertake a caste-wise census, collecting data to inform social, economic and political policy. With the overwhelming participation of 96.8 per cent of the state's population, this survey laid a scientific foundation for justice-oriented governance. As a result, the BC Bill and SC Categorization Bill were not only introduced but also unanimously passed in both Houses of the Legislature, demonstrating the political will to correct long-standing social disparities. By this, Revanth Reddy has not only honoured his party's historical commitment to the principles of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, but has also brought them into practical reality. Particularly noteworthy is the way the Revanth Reddy government addressed the decades-old demand for Scheduled Caste categorization. The appointment of Justice Shameem Akthar to head a commission to study this issue immediately after the Supreme Court judgment led to impactful recommendations, including the classification of 59 SC castes into three categories, restructuring of recruitment rosters, and rejection of the creamy layer concept within SCs. These proposals were legislatively ratified, showcasing the government's seriousness in ensuring intra-community equity. By transforming caste-based affirmative action into a more balanced and targeted system, the state has provided a template for others across the country. This deliberate shift in governance was further reinforced by the broader institutional design of the Cabinet. The appointment of Ramachandru Naik from the Lambada community as Deputy Speaker, along with the inclusion of SC ministers Adluri Laxman and Gaddam Vivek, and BC leader Vakiti Srihari, reflects a robust, well-thought approach, embedding social equity at the core of governance. From the very beginning of the government formation, Revanth Reddy appointed Gaddam Prasad Kumar, an SC leader, as the Speaker of the Assembly, Bhatti Vikramarka as Deputy Chief Minister, and inducted Damodar Rajanarsimha in the Cabinet And the current composition of the Cabinet—comprising seven OCs, four SCs, three BCs, and one ST—mirrors the true social fabric of the state. It is not just about arithmetic representation but about making space for lived experiences and community knowledge to inform policy from the top. With key portfolios now under the leadership of SC and BC ministers, the possibilities for real transformation are immense. Welfare policies, budgetary priorities, and enforcement of justice-related laws like the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act are expected to gain sharper focus and more effective implementation. It is up to them to convert representation into real outcomes—through asset creation, equitable distribution of schemes, educational opportunities, and systemic dismantling of institutional discrimination. In yet another groundbreaking gesture, the Chief Minister declared February 4 as Telangana Social Justice Day, institutionalizing the spirit of equity and respect for the marginalized. This act is symbolic of his party's philosophical anchoring in Ambedkarite thought and further highlights its commitment to make social justice a living, breathing principle rather than an electoral slogan. What we are witnessing today in Telangana is not merely a state-level reform but a potential national transformation. The Revanth Reddy-led administration has turned the state into a living laboratory of inclusive governance where backwardness is not pitied or politicized but acknowledged, understood, and legislatively addressed. With a policy framework rooted in data, a cabinet that reflects the people it governs, and an ideological vision firmly grounded in the values of constitutional justice, Telangana is fast emerging as the gold standard for participatory democracy and equitable governance in India. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's bold and visionary leadership has ensured that justice is no longer a distant dream for the marginalized—it is a governing principle. The real power of this cabinet expansion lies not just in its historical significance but in its future potential. By operationalizing the ideals of Ambedkar and walking the talk of Prajala Palana, the government in Telangana has offered a compelling model for how Indian democracy can truly work for everyone. The time has come for this model to deliver, and if it does, it may well define the next chapter of India's democratic evolution. (The writer is Assistant Director, CPRO to CM Team)
News18
14-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Some Take Too Many Breaks': Supreme Court Orders Performance Review Of Judges
Last Updated: The Supreme Court voiced its concern while hearing a plea from four life convicts belonging to Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Classes communities. The Supreme Court on Tuesday voiced the need for a comprehensive performance audit to assess the functioning of judges, citing a growing number of complaints regarding the efficiency of High Court judges. A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh orally noted that while many judges demonstrate diligent work ethics, concerns have arisen about others who frequently take unnecessary breaks, prompting questions about their effective utilization of court time. 'There are some judges who work very hard, but at the same time, there are judges who are unnecessarily taking coffee breaks; this break or that break. What is for lunch hour, etc. We are hearing a lot of complaints about the High Court judges. This is a larger issue which needs to be looked into. What is the performance of the High Court judges? How much we are spending and what is the output? It's high time we do a performance audit," the Court said as per Bar and Bench. The Supreme Court voiced its concern while hearing a plea from four life convicts belonging to Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Classes communities. These individuals alleged that the Jharkhand High Court had failed to pronounce judgments on their criminal appeals for an extended period of two to three years after reserving them. The Court had previously sought information regarding the status of these long-pending cases. On May 5, the Supreme Court directed all High Courts to submit reports detailing cases where judgments remained pending despite the matters being reserved. Continuing its scrutiny, the Supreme Court reiterated the paramount importance of this issue, suggesting the potential issuance of guidelines to ensure the timely delivery of judgments. The Court emphasized that the matter directly impacts the fundamental principles of the criminal justice system. On May 9, Supreme Court took further steps which included a request for reports from High Courts specifying the dates of judgment pronouncement and their subsequent publication on court websites. 'It seems that the issues noticed in the above mentioned orders would require and deeper analysis and mandatory guidelines by this Court, so that convicts or undertrials aren't compelled to lose faith in the justice delivery system and to avoid the petitions like one in present case," it noted. First Published: May 14, 2025, 11:59 IST
