Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, May 1: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra today said that the Telangana model must be adopted for the caste census announced by the Union Cabinet.
Speaking with reporters here after a meeting, Karra said the announcement of the caste census has been a long-pending demand of the Congress party and its leader, Rahul Gandhi.
“Rahul Gandhi has demanded a clear timeline and explanation on how the initiative will be implemented. There are two models – Bihar and Telangana – and we believe the Telangana model should be adopted,” he said.
He explained that the Telangana model was developed after extensive consultations with diverse sections of society. “We believe this model should be adopted, and other steps will follow accordingly.”
The JKPCC president said the Union Cabinet has fulfilled a long-standing demand of the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi.
“He has been building consensus across the country, both inside and outside Parliament, consistently putting pressure on the Government,” Karra added.
Terming the caste census the beginning of meaningful progress, Karra said: “We are proud that Rahul Gandhi’s consistent hard work and efforts in pressuring the Government have finally borne fruit. However, this is just the beginning of the path forward.”
He stressed that caste-based discrimination continues in the country and noted that Rahul Gandhi has consistently emphasized: “Jitni abaadi, utni bhagidari” – proportional representation in development, education, admissions, and administration.
Speaking about the meeting held earlier, Karra said it was convened to discuss two key issues – including the recent carnage in Pahalgam, which, he said, was strongly condemned.
“Respects were paid to those who lost their lives. The post-incident situation was also discussed,” he added.
On the Pahalgam terror attack, Karra reiterated that Congress condemns all forms of terrorism and emphasized the need for a united national response under the present circumstances.
“As Rahul Gandhi said in Srinagar, in such situations, the nation must act in unity – and we reiterate that,” Karra said.
He added that the Congress party stands with the Government in whatever steps it takes to combat terrorism.
“We will not tolerate terrorism, and whatever measures the Government takes to end terrorism and bloodshed, we fully support them.”
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