Former Rajya Sabha Member Launches Hunger Strike Over BC Census Exclusion

Hyderabad: V. Hanumantha Rao, a former Rajya Sabha member and ex-convener of the OBC MPs Forum, initiated an indefinite hunger strike on Saturday to press for the inclusion of Backward Classes in the BC census exercise.

The protest commenced at Rao's residence in Amberpet, drawing support from MLC Kodandaram, government whip Adi Srinivas, and prominent leaders from various BC associations. The assembled group voiced opposition to the Central government's handling of the matter through slogans and speeches.

Rao's core demand centres on ensuring that OBC communities are enumerated as part of the nationwide population census. He contends that Backward Classes deserve equitable treatment and representation proportional to their demographic strength.

In his appeal, Rao called upon all political parties to unite behind the cause of ensuring welfare provisions and adequate representation for BC communities. He emphasised that the government must undertake a proper population count of BC groups during the census process.

Rao pointed to what he views as inadequate response from the Centre, noting that multiple letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this subject have not yielded satisfactory results. He stated his resolve to sustain the hunger strike indefinitely unless the Central government accedes to the demand for a caste census covering BC communities.

The former MP had previously indicated that he would resort to an indefinite fast should authorities decline to conduct such a census for Backward Classes.