Mudiraj political empowerment: A Call for Political and Social Empowerment of the Mudiraj Community in Telangana
Mudiraj political empowerment: Eatela Rajender, Member of Parliament from Malkajgiri, made a strong appeal for the political, social, and economic empowerment of the Mudiraj community during a large felicitation ceremony held on Tuesday. The event was organized to honor newly elected Mudiraj sarpanches and deputy sarpanches from different regions of Telangana. Addressing the gathering, he congratulated the winners for overcoming financial influence and entrenched local power structures at the grassroots level, describing their success as a significant achievement for democratic values.
Grassroots Elections and the Challenge of Money Power
In his address, Rajender emphasized that local body elections often present tougher challenges than parliamentary contests. He explained that village-level elections expose candidates directly to financial pressure, personal rivalries, and social divisions. According to him, defeating money-driven politics at this level reflects courage, unity, and public trust. He urged the newly elected representatives not to treat their victory as symbolic but as a responsibility to serve their villages with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Sustained public respect, he noted, can only be earned through ethical leadership and consistent service.
Electoral Strength and Community Unity
Highlighting the electoral importance of the Mudiraj community, Rajender pointed out that the population is spread across nearly 45 Assembly constituencies, including regions such as Makthal and Narayanpet. He stated that this demographic presence has the potential to influence political outcomes decisively, provided the community acts collectively. Unity, he stressed, is the key factor that can transform numerical strength into meaningful political influence. Without cohesion, he warned, the community risks remaining marginalized despite its significant presence.
Moving Beyond Dependency and Backwardness
Rajender called upon the community to reject dependency and the mindset of backwardness. He asserted that the Mudiraj community possesses both skills and experience, particularly in traditional occupations related to water bodies and fisheries. According to him, social progress is possible only when communities actively claim their rightful place instead of waiting for external support. Political awareness, education, and leadership development were described as essential tools for long-term empowerment.
Economic Rights Over Lakes and Water Bodies
A major focus of Rajender’s speech was the economic challenges faced by the Mudiraj community. He demanded that the government restore traditional rights over village lakes and water bodies that have historically supported fishing livelihoods. He criticized existing government orders related to cooperative society memberships, arguing that they have allowed intermediaries to exploit fishermen. Rajender called for a revised policy framework that ensures direct and fair access to resources, removes middlemen, and protects the interests of genuine fishing families.
Need for Institutional Support and Infrastructure
Beyond policy changes, Rajender emphasized the need for practical support systems. He advocated for the free supply of fish seedlings, access to ice boxes for storage, reliable transport facilities, and the creation of exclusive fishing zones within major irrigation projects. Such measures, he said, would strengthen livelihoods, improve income stability, and encourage younger generations to continue traditional professions with dignity and profitability.
Demand for BC-A Category Status
Recalling his earlier interventions in the State Assembly, Rajender reiterated his demand to shift the Mudiraj community from the BC-D category to the BC-A category. He described this demand as just, reasonable, and necessary to address long-standing social and economic disadvantages. According to him, reclassification would provide better access to welfare schemes, educational opportunities, and employment benefits. He assured the gathering that he would continue to raise this issue at every appropriate political platform.
Political Empowerment as the Ultimate Goal
Concluding his speech, Rajender stated that political empowerment must remain the central objective of the Mudiraj community. He pledged to stand at the forefront of efforts against exploitation and discrimination. True empowerment, he said, lies not only in economic benefits but also in active participation in decision-making processes. By nurturing strong local leadership and maintaining unity, the community can secure a more influential and respected position in the political landscape of Telangana.