Chiru mulls quota for EBCs

Economically backward classes (EBCs) in all castes can look forward to a better deal from Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam.

The new party is "seriously considering" extending reservations to these sections as part of a special package that would be given a final shape soon, Praja Rajyam founder Chiranjeevi said in an exclusive chat with Express.

Praja Rajyam is looking beyond the Constitutionally- provided reservation to SCs, STs and OBCs as it feels there is a definite need to take care of the interests of the EBCs in all castes who suffer as much as the historically recognised weaker classes such as SCs and BCs.

Asked if extending reservations to EBCs is an option that Praja Rajyam is considering, Chiranjeevi said emphatically: "We are seriously considering it though the special package is still being finalised." Reservations in AP currently account for 50 per cent with 25 per cent for BCs, SCs (15) STs (6) and Muslims (4). The Congress Government, which has extended the benefit of reservation to Muslims, however, limited it to the economically weaker sections in that community in accordance with the court orders.

Praja Rajyam, which is confident of coming to power, is also formulating specific benefits to women. "There are a lot of issues confronting women, particularly those from the middle classes, ranging from such daily essentials like availability of gas at a reasonable price to others. We are going to look into their problems and find a solution," the actor-turned-politician said.

(Party sources said Chiranjeevi will start unveiling his plans for different sections, one by one, during the course of his road shows across the State).

Chiranjeevi also sought to build bridges with Naxalites, saying his comments at his maiden public meeting in Tirupati were misunderstood. The PRP recognisies that Naxalism is indeed a socioeconomic problem and cannot be treated as a law and order issue. "I can assure you that we will not encourage methods like fake encounters," he asserted.

Without saying it in as many words, Chiranjeevi took a dig at both the previous Telugu Desam and the present Congress regime over corruption.

"Should I say that corruption is rampant? Anyone who watches Assembly proceedings will know what is happening. They (TDP and Congress) themselves are saying it, day in and day out, in the Assembly. Each party is accusing the other of indulging in corruption but neither of them is denying it," he pointed out.

Again, taking a swipe at the leaders, Chiranjeevi averred that if those at the top (at the political level) set an example, corruption would be reduced automatically though it may not be eliminated altogether.

Chiranjeevi has, no doubt whatsoever, that he will be able to connect to the people once he hits the road later this month when he launches the State-wide tour for which dates are being finalised.

In an indirect dig at those suggesting that his following was limited to youth, he said, "the fact is that even a 60-year-old farmer is looking for change." He said he could feel people’s desperation for a change from the kind of politics and policies that are currently being pursued and is sure that it would reflect once he sets out on his tour.