SRIKAKULAM: Andhra Pradesh Backward Classes Association’s Joint Action Committee on Saturday vowed to register its protest on Monday before the Justice Manjunatha Commission, which was constituted to study the socio-economic conditions of various castes such as Kapu, Ontari, Balija, and Telaga.
Leaders of various BC organisations reached Srikakulam to chalk out an action plan to oppose inclusion of new castes as they feared that it would be detrimental to the interests of the existing communities enjoying BC status.
JAC convener A. Ramachandraiah and co-conveners N. Narendra Yadav and S. Yanadayya alleged that the government was acting against the interests of the BCs.
“Several commissions constituted earlier had opposed inclusion of Kapus as their socio-economic conditions match that of the upper castes. Their inclusion would affect the interests of the BCs politically,” said Mr. Ramachandraiah and Mr. Narendra Yadav.
They alleged that the commission was sympathetic to the cause of Kapus and denying permission for the JAC leaders to record their arguments.
“Police personnel did not allow us at many places in Rayalaseema district when the commission organised a public hearing. It should not be repeated at least in Srikakulam on Monday,” said Mr. Yadav.
Meanwhile, Kapu and Telaga leaders are busy collecting details to showcase their backwardness in the district.
Telaga leader S. Umamaheswari and S. Venkateswara Rao said that their caste was in the BC list till 1970 but was deleted later because of false information given to then BC Commission.
The police department is keen on avoiding untoward incidents at the public hearing to be held in a function hall near Balaga.
