CM Siddaramaiah to lead show at Backwards Classes sammelan in Delhi
New Delhi: In what is being seen as a potentially significant political move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to take center stage at a massive Backward Classes sammelan scheduled for July 25 at Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium.
The event, organised by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), follows the recent convention in Bengaluru where OBC, Dalit, and minority groups converged in a show of renewed Ahinda solidarity, The New Indian Express reported on Tuesday.
With its eyes on the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress aims to scale up the backward class consolidation strategy—one that has been developed and championed by Siddaramaiah—for national impact.
Political observers suggest this may mark a turning point for the Congress. “There’s a huge block of Kurubas across the country. When you add communities like fishers, Edigas, Yadavas, it could point to a social shakeup,” TNIE quoted its source as saying.
Despite their size, these communities have never had a representative reach the office of Prime Minister—something the Congress intends to spotlight in its campaign.
At the forefront of this movement is Siddaramaiah, a two-time Chief Minister and prominent Kuruba leader, widely regarded for his grassroots outreach and commitment to social justice. His emergence as the symbol of a new social justice coalition has reportedly re-energised Congress circles.
Talkatora Stadium is expected to see a crowd on Friday which will rally for nationwide adoption of the Bengaluru Declaration, demand a nationwide caste census modelled after Telangana’s survey of collecting social, economic and political data, relaxation of the 50% reservation cap for backward classes, and implementation of reservation in private educational institutions, added the report.
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Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
