OBC Census: Congress Leader V Hanumantha Rao Raises Concerns Over Representation

OBC Census has emerged as a major political issue, with Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao raising concerns over the absence of a separate column for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the ongoing census process.

Rao said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have written to the Prime Minister regarding the issue. He argued that proper representation and safeguards for OBC communities require comprehensive data and adequate political consideration.

Congress Raises Concerns Over OBC Census

Speaking about the ongoing census process, V Hanumantha Rao said the Congress is strongly opposed to the current arrangement because, according to him, there is no separate column specifically for OBCs.

The Congress leader stressed the importance of recording OBC-related information during the census, arguing that the community represents a significant share of the country's population.

Rao said the concerns have already been communicated at the national level through a letter written by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to the Prime Minister.

Demand for Separate OBC Column

A central point raised by Rao is the demand for a separate OBC column in the census.

According to the Congress leader, collecting comprehensive information on OBC communities would be important for assessing representation and ensuring appropriate safeguards.

He also claimed that despite their large population, OBC communities continue to face inadequate representation and attention in policy discussions.

Concerns Over Delimitation and One Nation, One Election

Rao also raised objections regarding delimitation and the One Nation, One Election proposal.

He said a parliamentary committee has taken a decision on these matters but argued that the proposed changes are not feasible in their current form.

The Congress leader linked these concerns to the broader question of political representation and safeguards for different sections of society.

Why Delimitation Matters

Delimitation involves the adjustment of electoral constituencies and their boundaries. Any changes to constituency structures can have an impact on political representation.

Rao's comments indicate that the Congress faction he represents wants these issues to be examined carefully, particularly from the perspective of communities seeking adequate political representation.

Congress Meeting Planned to Discuss OBC Issues
Rao said he is organising a meeting to discuss the concerns surrounding the OBC Census, delimitation and related political issues.

According to him, the meeting will be followed by the adoption of a resolution, which will then be sent to the Congress High Command.

He also suggested that similar meetings could be organised in different states.

State-Level Meetings Proposed

Rao said every state could conduct its own meetings to discuss these concerns and formulate resolutions.

He believes such consultations would help build a stronger political position on issues concerning OBC representation and safeguards.

The proposed approach would involve discussions at the state level before the concerns are conveyed to the party's central leadership.