Telangana is stepping up efforts to secure legal approval for its 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs), a key promise driving its local body elections. With deadlines looming, the state government, political leaders, and legal advisers are coordinating closely to make it happen.
Speaker Approaches Centre
At a recent speakers’ conference in Delhi, Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to fast track the legalisation of the BC quota bill, which was already passed by the state assembly but is still awaiting central approval. Shah reportedly assured the Speaker that the matter will be addressed soon. This move underscores the urgency with which Telangana is approaching the issue.
Legal Strategy Underway
The Telangana Congress Political Affairs Committee (PAC) formed a five member panel to consult legal experts on how to proceed with the 42% reservation especially since two BC related bills remain pending with the President. The panel, including state ministers and party leaders, must submit a report by August 28.
Waiting on Court and Legal Back Up
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the state is also watching a pending Supreme Court verdict that could mandate the President to give assent to bills within 90 days. He indicated readiness to pursue alternate strategies, including backing BC candidates directly in elections, if the bill remains stalled.
Political Pressure Heats Up
At the “BC Poru Bata” protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, CM Reddy accused the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of deliberately blocking the BC quota. He warned that continued delays could trigger a “political tsunami” in 2029, positioning the BC communities as a decisive force in future elections.
Voices of Dissent and Advocacy
BRS leader Kalvakuntla Kavitha questioned whether Muslim reservations are included within the proposed BC quota and called for stronger efforts to ensure BCs aren’t sidelined. She suggested the state escalate the matter legally if needed.
Later, Kavitha went on a 72 hour hunger strike, demanding guaranteed implementation of the 42% BC reservation before advancing to local body polls. She vowed to take legal action if unsure, calling it a fight for dignity and equality, not politics.
Why It Matters
- Legal and Political Timeline: With the Telangana High Court setting September 30 as the deadline for notifying local elections, there’s a tight window to legalize the quota. Delays could halt democratic processes.
- Backed by Data: Telangana’s 2024 caste survey showed BCs account for 56.33% of the population, forming the basis for demanding 42% reservation.
- Challenging the Reservation Cap: The plan pushes total reservations well above the Supreme Court’s 50% ceiling, raising legal challenges. Success requires both strong political will and airtight legal strategy.
