Ponnam calls for greater political representation for Padmasalis

Backward Classes Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday called for unity among weaker sections and urged the Padmasali community, in particular, to work towards electing at least five MLAs from the community in the next general elections.

Speaking at the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of Konda Laxman Bapuji at Ravindra Bharathi, Mr. Prabhakar paid tributes to the veteran Telangana leader, describing him as a selfless person who placed the aspirations of Telangana above political positions and his own political future.

“With this fight against social inequalities and exploitation, including forced labour, Konda Laxman Bapuji had set an example by sacrificing his position for the cause of Telangana. The younger generation should follow his path,” BC Welfare Minister said.

Referring to recent meetings with Yadava and Mudiraj communities, he said communities and traditional occupations needed to adapt to changing times.

Mr. Prabhakar reminded the Telangana government had conducted a caste census and enacted legislation to provide 42% reservation for BCs. He alleged that the Centre had stalled the implementation of the reservation and said the demand for a nationwide caste census would continue.

Referring to the Centre’s announcement on April 1, 2025, that caste enumeration would be undertaken as part of the Census, he said that BCs had not been included in the Census exercise, which collected data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and reiterated the demand for comprehensive caste enumeration across the country.

Minister for Employment, Training and Factories G. Vivek Venkataswamy, government adviser V. Hanumantha Rao, Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav and Handloom Corporation chairman Dudem Venkataramana were among those who attended the programme.

The event was organised by the Telangana government under the leadership of Konda Laxman Bapuji Birth Anniversary Celebration Committee chairman and Telangana Padmasali Cooperative Corporation chairman Gudur Srinivas.