BCs should emulate Ilamma, fight for rights: Minister Vivek

Minister Vivek Venkataswamy and others during the 131st birth anniversary celebrations of Chakali Ilamma organized at Ravindra Bharathi in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Minister for Employment, Training and Factories G. Vivek Venkataswamy called on the backward classes (BCs) to unite and fight for their rights and pledged his support to their demand for inclusion in the caste census.

Addressing the 131st birth anniversary celebrations of Chityala Ilamma, popularly known as Chakali Ilamma, organized as a state function by the BC Welfare Department at Ravindra Bharathi here on Saturday, he said her struggle against feudal rule was an inspiration to the Rajaka community and other BCs to fight for their rights.

Mr. Vivek Venkataswamy said that the Rajaka community has been struggling for several years to solve their problems and secure their rights. He stated that the community should be given due recognition in the society and urged everyone to support its fight for rights and self-respect.

He recalled that he had worked to install several statues of Ilamma in Peddapalli and Mancherial districts and had helped the Rajaka community during his tenure as an MP.

The minister said that BCs had a significant presence in several constituencies in the local body elections and ensured victory. However, according to him, they needed to achieve similar representation in larger elections.

He said that legal reservations have been given to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in view of the discrimination they have been facing for a long time. BCs also had capable leaders who could lead the community, he said, adding that unity among BCs would help them secure their rights.

Mr. Vivek Venkataswamy appreciated the efforts of BC national leader R. Krishnaiah in fighting for the rights of Bc. The minister also praised Rajaka leader and MLC Baswaraju Saraiah for his services to the community.

BC Welfare and Development Adviser, State Government, V. Hanumantha Rao and several BC leaders attended the celebration.

Published – 26 Sep 2026 22:33 IST