Grassroots Political Mobilization Vital for Ahinda Communities, Says Yathindra Siddaramaiah

Decentralizing the Fight for Representation

Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah has called for a strategic shift in how Ahinda organizations—representing minorities, backward classes, and Dalits—operate within the state. Speaking at a conference organized by the Bidar district unit of Shoshita Samudayagala Okkuta on Tuesday, he argued that social and political empowerment will remain out of reach unless these groups establish a presence at the village level. According to the Minister, true mainstreaming requires these communities to consolidate political power starting at the gram panchayat level.

The Enduring Need for Social Unity

Despite the historical efforts of reformers like Buddha, Basaveshwara, and B.R. Ambedkar to dismantle caste-based discrimination, Yathindra noted that social divisions persist. He credited the Ahinda movement with awakening the political consciousness of oppressed sections but warned that current inequalities necessitate a continued struggle. The Minister outlined three specific priorities for the movement:

• Protecting the integrity of the Constitution.
• Implementing the findings of the caste survey report.
• Securing reservation quotas proportional to population size.

Strengthening Democratic Safeguards

The call for internal reform was echoed by other Congress leaders in attendance. MP Sagar Khandre reported that he has already advocated for increased representation of Ahinda members within party hierarchies and local administrative roles. Meanwhile, AICC observer Rajesh Lilothia stated that the preservation of democratic rights is tied directly to the defense of constitutional values. The event also featured participation from former Minister Rahim Khan, former MLA Ashok Kheny, and BUDA president Basavaraj Jabashetty, all of whom joined the call to strengthen organizations dedicated to social justice.

Source: The Hindu — National