TELANGANA: 42% BC Quota Another Congress Drama: Harish Rao
The Telangana High Court’s recent stay on Government Order (GO) No. 9, which proposed a 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections, has ignited a fierce political debate.
Senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao has accused the Congress-led state government of orchestrating a “political drama” to mislead BC communities for electoral gains.
This development has raised questions about the sincerity of the government’s commitment to social justice.
Allegations of Political Deception
Harish Rao, a former minister and prominent BRS figure, claimed that the Congress government, under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is using the 42 percent BC reservation as a ploy to garner votes.
He likened this move to the unfulfilled “six guarantees” promised during the last assembly elections, alleging a pattern of broken promises.
According to Rao, the government’s actions lack genuine intent and are designed to delay local body polls.
Critique of Inaction in Delhi
Rao criticized Revanth Reddy for failing to advocate for BC reservations at the national level.
He questioned why the Chief Minister has not pressed the central government to align with the Kamareddy Declaration, which promised enhanced BC representation.
“Revanth Reddy stages dramas in Telangana’s streets for 22 months but stays silent in Delhi, where the real fight is needed,” Rao remarked, highlighting a perceived lack of resolve.
Call for Constitutional Reform
The BRS leader urged the Congress to push for a parliamentary law to secure the 42 percent BC quota by including it in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, which would protect it from judicial scrutiny.
Rao accused Congress of neglecting BC welfare during its 55 years of central rule, calling its current stance “hypocritical love.”
He emphasized that only a legal framework at the national level would deliver true justice for BCs.
Demand for Unified Action
Rao called for a united front involving all political parties to advocate for BC rights in Delhi.
He reaffirmed BRS’s commitment to the cause, describing it as a “movement party” dedicated to BC empowerment.
Challenging Congress to join this struggle, Rao urged Revanth Reddy to prioritize sincere efforts over theatrical gestures to ensure meaningful progress for BC communities.
Context of the High Court Stay
The High Court’s interim stay on GO No. 9, issued on October 9, 2025, followed petitions led by BRS, citing violations of the 50 percent reservation cap set by Supreme Court precedents.
The decision has halted local body election notifications, sparking protests among BC groups and raising concerns about delays.
The Congress government plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, signaling a prolonged legal battle.
Public and Political Reactions
The controversy has deepened mistrust between parties, with BC associations rallying behind the government while opposition parties criticize its approach.
Rao’s remarks have amplified the narrative of political manipulation, placing pressure on Congress to clarify its strategy.
The outcome of the Supreme Court appeal and the government’s next steps will likely shape Telangana’s political landscape.