BCs should emulate Ilamma, fight for rights: Minister Vivek

Minister for Employment, Training and Factories G. Vivek Venkataswamy has urged Backward Classes (BCs) to unite and fight for their rights, and pledged his support to their demand for inclusion in the caste census.

Addressing the 131st birth anniversary celebrations of Chityala Ilamma, popularly known as Chakali Ilamma, organised as a State function by the Department of BC Welfare at Ravindra Bharathi here on Saturday, he said her struggle against feudal domination was an inspiration for the Rajaka community as well as other BCs to fight for its rights.

Mr. Vivek Venkataswamy said the Rajaka community had been fighting for several years to address its problems and secure its rights. Stating that the community should get due recognition in society, he urged everyone to support its struggle for rights and self-respect.

He recalled that he had worked for the installation of several statues of Ilamma in Peddapalli and Mancherial districts and helped the Rajaka community during his tenure as an MP.

The Minister said BCs had a significant presence in several wards in local body elections and were securing victories. However, he said, they needed to achieve similar representation in larger elections.

He said legal reservations had been provided to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in view of the discrimination they had faced over a long period. BCs also had capable leaders who could lead the community, he said, adding that unity among BCs would help them secure their rights.

Mr. Vivek Venkataswamy appreciated the efforts of BC national leader R. Krishnaiah in fighting for the rights of Bcs. The Minister also praised Rajaka leader and MLC Baswaraju Saraiah for his services to the community.

Advisor, BC Welfare and Development, to the State government, V. Hanumantha Rao and several BC leaders attended the celebrations.