Hyderabad: Former Telangana Minister V. Srinivas Goud strongly criticised the Congress government over the issuance of GO 14 concerning BC community self-respect buildings and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Addressing a press meet at Telangana Bhavan, he alleged that the government was attempting to undermine the initiatives taken by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) for the welfare and empowerment of Backward Classes (BCs).
V. Srinivas Goud stated that all caste-based community organisations actively participated in the Telangana statehood movement, believing that the formation of a separate state would help resolve the problems faced by their traditional professions and communities. He recalled that during KCR’s tenure, valuable land parcels in Hyderabad were allotted to various caste associations to establish self-respect buildings and preserve their social identity.
He alleged that the Congress government had turned these institutions into restricted spaces through GO 14, questioning whether the state was moving towards a system of arbitrary governance instead of following the principles of the Indian Constitution.
He further stated that KCR had allotted valuable land, reportedly worth nearly ₹200 crore per acre, free of cost to eligible caste associations after they were registered as trusts. According to him, community leaders had planned to construct multi-storey buildings on these sites to promote education, employment opportunities and social development among their respective communities.
Demand for GO 14 Withdrawal
Srinivas Goud questioned the government’s decision to introduce restrictions on the lands allotted to BC associations and alleged that the move was motivated by the increasing market value of these properties. He also questioned whether Minister Ponnam Prabhakar was aware of the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the government order.
He demanded that GO 14 be withdrawn immediately and announced that a round-table meeting would be held the following day to discuss the issue and formulate a future course of action. He said BRS leaders would mobilise BC communities across Telangana to oppose the order.
He also questioned the Congress government’s implementation of promises made under the Kamareddy Declaration, including a dedicated BC sub-plan and the assurance of an annual budget allocation of ₹20 crore.
Other BRS Leaders Voice Strong Opposition
Former MLA Jaipal Yadav warned that the Congress government would face strong opposition from BC communities if GO 14 was not withdrawn. He demanded that the government implement the land-allotment orders issued during KCR’s tenure without making changes.
Former MP Badugula Lingaiah Yadav accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of neglecting the BC communities despite the contributions made by them. He stated that KCR had worked towards improving the political and economic position of BCs and urged the present government to introduce stronger welfare measures rather than reverse existing initiatives.
Former MLC V. Gangadhar Goud said that BC communities had received greater support during KCR’s tenure. He described the government’s assurances as ineffective without concrete action and demanded the immediate withdrawal of GO 14. He also called for discussions with all caste associations, questioning the lack of substantial financial support to BC corporations.
Former MLA Anjaiah Yadav recalled that KCR had allotted valuable lands in Hyderabad and facilitated the construction of self-respect buildings for various BC communities. He alleged that the present government was creating divisions among caste associations in the name of committees.
He further questioned whether the government was unwilling to allow BC communities to independently manage their institutions and use the facilities for the benefit of their members. He warned that failure to withdraw GO 14 would lead to intensified political opposition against the Congress government.
BRS Announces Statewide Mobilisation
Concluding the press meet, Srinivas Goud reiterated that BC communities should not be deprived of the facilities and land already allotted to them. He asserted that the BRS would unite community organisations across Telangana and continue its fight until GO 14 was withdrawn.
The BRS leaders collectively called upon the Congress government to protect the interests of BC communities and honour the commitments made to them.
