TDP seeks amendment for sub-classification of SCs in AP

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today asked the Centre to amend the Constitution for classifying Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh into different sub-groups.

"The various committees constituted by the government have favoured classification of SCs in AP into A, B, C and D groups. In fact, our government had in 1996 brought in the classification, but in 2004, the Supreme Court had struck it down. Hence, the Centre should now amend the Constitution to give legal status to SC classification," TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu told a press conference here today.

The TDP politburo, which met here under his chairmanship, favoured classification to ensure "social and equal justice" between the different sects of SCs.

There are two sects among SCs in AP -- malas and madigas. Malas are supposed to be a predominant sect while madigas are "less privileged".

The classification of these sects into A, B, C and D groups has been a highly sensitive issue for years with malas staunchly opposing it and madigas strongly fighting for it.

After the Supreme Court struck down the classification implemented by the TDP, the Congress government promised to get the Constitution amended but in the last eight years did not achieve anything in this regard.

This has distanced the madigas from the Congress.

"There will not be equal justice without classifying the SC sects. Various committees over the years have recommended classification but a Constitutional amendment is required for this. The TDP will write to the Centre in this regard," Chandrababu announced.

He appealed to malas to appreciate the TDP's stance on the critical issue.