Raghuveera demands sub-plan for BCs

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president N Raghuveera Reddy has exhorted the Backward Classes in the State to get united to achieve their rightful demands.

Speaking at an inaugural meeting of the BC Jana Sabha held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram here on Sunday, Raghuveera Reddy said a Backward Class sub-plan should be implemented in the State on the lines of SC/ST sub-plan. Majority of BCs remained steeped below the poverty line. “There will be no change in the socio and economic conditions of BCs till they emerge as a major political force at the Centre and in the State,'' he said.

BC Jana Sabha State president G Gangadhar said the organisation was intended to safeguard the interests of BCs. The Jana Sabha would strive for the economic and political empowerment of BCs. He demanded that 50 per cent reservation be provided for BCs in legislatures. The Centre should set up a separate Ministry exclusively for the welfare of BCs, he said.

Electricity Employees Welfare Association president Purnachandra Rao, BC Jana Sabha organising committee members T Arjuna Rao, B Nageswara Rao, Lukha Sairam Goud, Boddu Ramesh, P Veerabrahmam, Ghanta Narayana Rao, former minister Kolusu Parthasaradhi, former MLA Jogi Ramesh, deputy mayor G Ramana Rao, APSRTC Employees Union State leader Kedeswara Rao, AP Timber Merchants Association president P Kondala Rao, Valmiki Sangham State leader Hanumantha Rao and others were present.