Ahead of the commencement of the State Assembly budget session on Monday, an all-party meeting of BC intellectuals and representatives of various political organizations was convened under the aegis of the BC Reservations Struggle Coordination Joint Action Committee (JAC). The meeting deliberated extensively on issues concerning reservations, welfare policies, and budgetary allocations for the Backward Classes (BCs).

Addressing the gathering, Dundra Kumara Swamy, Chairman of the BC Reservations Struggle Coordination JAC and National President of BC Dal, strongly criticised the Union Government for what he described as its continued neglect of the Backward Classes, who constitute more than half of the country’s population. He observed that the Centre’s indifferent approach towards crucial issues such as BC reservations and equitable budget allocations runs contrary to the spirit of democratic governance. Political forces that ignored BC communities in the past, he cautioned, had eventually faded into political irrelevance.

With the Telangana State budget expected to exceed ₹3 lakh crore, Kumara Swamy argued that allocations must reflect the population share and socio-economic realities of the BC communities. He expressed concern that the last two State budgets had failed to provide adequate financial support to BC welfare programmes. In this financial year, he demanded that at least ₹60,000 crore be earmarked specifically for BC welfare, education, employment generation, self-employment initiatives and economic empowerment.

Referring to the promises made in the Kamareddy Declaration, he urged the State Government to implement caste enumeration and formulate a clear policy framework to ensure proportionate development for the BC communities. He also reminded political leaders that democratic governments are formed with the decisive support of BC voters and therefore bear a responsibility to address their aspirations in a meaningful manner.

Our population must be reflected in our budget,” Mr. Kumara Swamy asserted, adding that allocating adequate funds for BC development would not merely be a welfare measure but a historic step towards achieving genuine social justice. Participants at the meeting resolved to intensify their collective efforts until equitable budgetary justice is ensured for the Backward Classes.

Rajesh, Ramana, Ailayya and several BC leaders and intellectuals were among those who attended the meeting.