Former DGP J. Purnachandra Rao on Wednesday (June 3, 2026) asserted that democracy in its true sense could thrive only when political representation reflects the social composition of society.

Speaking at the ‘Bahujana Maata-Paata’, a cultural awareness programme organised by BC Chaitanya Vedika in Vijayawada, Mr. Rao expressed concern over what he described as a serious mismatch between population strength and political representation in Andhra Pradesh.

Referring to the composition of the A.P. Legislative Assembly elected in 2024, he pointed out that BCs constituted about 56% of the State’s population, but had only 40 MLAs, while SCs, who accounted for nearly 19% of the population, had 29 MLAs. Muslims, constituting about 8% of the population, had only three MLAs, while STs, who formed around 6% of the population, had seven MLAs.

According to the available numbers, the Reddys, constituting roughly 5% of the population, had 32 MLAs, while Kammas, with around 3% population share, had 35 MLAs and questioned the inclusiveness.

The presence of BCs, SCs, STs, Muslims and Christians in legislative bodies, decision-making institutions and centres of political power remained disproportionately low when compared to the population. “Democracy is not only about casting votes, but fair participation in governance, policy-making, leadership and distribution of opportunities too. Political power must increasingly reflect social realities. Representation is not charity, it is a democratic right,” he emphasised.

He urged the Bahujan communities to focus on education, organisation, constitutional awareness, leadership development and political participation, emphasising that sustainable social transformation can be achieved only through democratic mobilisation, unity, and collective action.

Former IAS officers T. Chiranjeevulu and Samuel Anand, former MLAs Lake Raja Rao and Chanda Lingaiah Dora, BC leaders Sangem Surya Rao, Veeravelli Srinivas, Parjyothi and Naragoni were among those who spoke.