Congress Must Fulfil Chevella Declaration Promises, Demand SC-ST Organizations
▪ BCY Party to Lead SC-ST Self-Respect Maha Dharna Under the Leadership of Bode Ramachandra Yadav
▪ Joint Call by Bharata Chaitanya Yuvajana Party and 59 Scheduled Castes Joint Action Committee
▪ Leaders Warn of Statewide Agitation if Election Promises Remain Unfulfilled
Hyderabad: Demanding the immediate implementation of the promises made in the Chevella Declaration announced by the Congress party during the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections, the Bharata Chaitanya Yuvajana (BCY) Party and the 59 Scheduled Castes Joint Action Committee have announced an “SC-ST Self-Respect Maha Dharna” at Indira Park Dharna Chowk, Hyderabad, on August 8.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Somajiguda Press Club, where Maha Dharna In-Charge Teegala Ashok Kumar and National President of the SC 57 Castes Rights Protection Committee, Bairi Venkatesham, criticized the state government for failing to implement the assurances despite more than two years in office. They demanded that the government immediately announce a clear roadmap for implementing the promises, warning that the agitation would be intensified across Telangana if no action is taken.
Bode Ramachandra Yadav’s Fight for Social Justice
Party leaders described BCY National President Bode Ramachandra Yadav as a leader who has consistently fought for the rights of BCs, SCs, STs, and other marginalized communities.
They recalled that nearly 300,000 people participated in the “BC Simhagarjana” public meeting held on February 22, describing it as a testament to his leadership. They also noted that he had undertaken an indefinite hunger strike to press for the resolution of public issues and is now spearheading a similar movement for the protection of SC and ST rights.
Major Demands in the Chevella Declaration
The leaders urged the government to immediately implement the key promises made in the Chevella Declaration, including:
- Increasing SC reservations to 18%
- Adequate budget allocation to SC and ST Corporations
- Financial assistance schemes for students
- ₹12 lakh financial assistance to SC families under the Ambedkar Abhayahastam Scheme
- Priority for SCs and STs in Indiramma Housing
- Establishment of three exclusive SC Corporations
- Granting land ownership rights for Podu lands
- Effective implementation of welfare and development schemes for marginalized communities
‘Welfare Exists Only in Announcements’
Speaking at the press conference, Bairi Venkatesham alleged that Dalits continue to face injustice in Telangana and claimed that the Chief Minister’s assurances have remained mere announcements.
He alleged that SC reservations are not being implemented effectively, SC Corporations are not receiving adequate funds, welfare schemes for Dalits have been stalled, and even obtaining caste certificates has become a struggle for many people.
He stated that thousands of people from across Telangana would participate in the August 8 Maha Dharna to send a strong message to the government.
Discontent Over Delay in Fulfilling Promises
The leaders recalled that during a public meeting held at Chevella on August 26, 2023, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and then Telangana PCC President, now Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, had announced several welfare commitments for SCs and STs.
They expressed disappointment that there has been little visible progress in implementing those assurances even after the formation of the government and alleged that no comprehensive review has been conducted.
They further pointed out that although SC categorization has been implemented, the promise to increase SC reservations to 18% based on population remains unfulfilled. Similarly, they claimed that commitments relating to the Ambedkar Abhayahastam Scheme, Indiramma housing, funding for SC/ST Corporations, and Podu land rights have yet to be honored.
Unity of 59 Scheduled Castes
Teegala Ashok Kumar said the primary objective of the Maha Dharna is to unite all 59 Scheduled Castes in Telangana to collectively fight for their constitutional and social rights.
He said that under the leadership of Bode Ramachandra Yadav, the BCY Party has consistently organized movements for backward and marginalized communities, including the BC Simhagarjana rally and hunger strike campaigns, and will now intensify its struggle for SC-ST rights.
Call for Massive Participation
The organizers appealed to SC-ST organizations, representatives of all 59 Scheduled Castes, social organizations, intellectuals, students, youth and women’s organizations, public representatives, and BCY Party leaders from across Telangana to participate in large numbers in the SC-ST Self-Respect Maha Dharna on August 8 at Indira Park Dharna Chowk, Hyderabad.
They urged the Telangana government to fulfill the promises made during the elections and ensure justice for SCs and STs, warning that the agitation would be expanded across the state if the commitments remain unimplemented.
The protest will be held under the slogan:
“Implement the Chevella Declaration – Ensure Social Justice for SCs and STs – Fulfil the Promises Made to the People.”
Leaders Present
The press conference was attended by Maha Dharna In-Charge Teegala Ashok Kumar, National President of the SC 57 MBSC Castes Rights Protection Committee Bairi Venkatesham, BCY Party State PAC members Vadipalli Ramakrishna, Chillara Srinivas Yadav, Gaurigari Agamaiah, Vivek Yadav, Karthik Yadav, Sai Krishna, and Vijay; representatives of the 59 Scheduled Castes, including Lalitha, Rama Dileep Kumar, Upade Sanadhan, Pothula Mallesh, Bobbili Ramesh, Baindla Devender, and Pambala Ellesh; along with state leaders GHMC Convener Tejo Vijaya Kumari, Dasari Narasimha, Addala Naresh, Dasari Ravi Kumar, and several other social and community leaders.
