Chandrababu Naidu: A Pioneer in Sub-Categorisation for Scheduled Castes

In a significant move towards social justice, N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, became the first political leader in the region to advocate for the sub-categorisation of scheduled castes. This demand was initially championed by Manda Krishna Madiga in 1994. Naidu extended his support in 1997 during his first tenure as the Chief Minister of the unified Andhra Pradesh.

To address the demand, Naidu appointed the Justice P Ramachandra Raju Commission to investigate and provide recommendations on sub-categorisation. Following a thorough study, the commission recommended dividing the scheduled castes into four groups. During his second tenure as Chief Minister in 2000, Naidu implemented these sub-categorisation-based reservations. This policy remained in effect until 2004, enabling numerous candidates from marginalized sections within the scheduled castes to secure government jobs. According to Manda Krishna Madiga, over 22,000 candidates from underrepresented castes benefitted during this period.

Despite the courts later striking down the categorisation, Naidu continued to support Manda Krishna’s cause. From 2014 to 2019, as the Chief Minister of the newly formed Andhra Pradesh, Naidu issued an executive order to provide some benefits of categorisation in the absence of constitutionally valid reservations. His political will ensured that underrepresented sections continued to receive reservation benefits.

Naidu’s consistent advocacy for sub-categorisation faced opposition from some quarters. However, he remained a vocal supporter, even when other major political parties stayed silent on the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently brought the issue back into the spotlight by expressing support for it before the Telangana elections.

Welcoming the Supreme Court judgment, Telugu Desam Party national general secretary, Nara Lokesh, highlighted that Naidu had implemented social justice through a presidential ordinance 30 years ago. Thousands secured government jobs during that period, fulfilling the party’s election promises. Lokesh emphasized that the socio-economic and political development of all sections remains a priority for the Telugu Desam Party.