Hyderabad, Feb. 24 -- Stating that caste remains a social reality in India, Telangana deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, on Monday, February 23, said he too had faced caste discrimination in his life but never allowed it to derail his goals.

He urged Congress leaders to acknowledge the persistence of social bias and move forward with determination to achieve their objectives.

Addressing a three-day training camp for district Congress presidents of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at a resort in Ananthagiri Hills in Vikarabad district, Bhatti said, "discrimination, though real, should not weaken one's resolve."

"One must remain focused on the larger goal. Even if caste bias is encountered along the way, it should not be allowed ...