Hyderabad: BRS MLA Slams Telangana Govt Over BC Reservation Delays
Escalating Political Tensions
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Talasani Srinivas Yadav has sharply criticized the Congress-led Telangana government for its handling of the 42% Backward Classes (BC) reservation bill. He warned of a “political earthquake” if the government fails to secure legal backing for the quota before local body elections.
Critique of Legislative Process
Yadav accused the Congress of rushing the BC reservation bill through the Assembly without addressing legal flaws, alleging it was sent to the Centre without follow-up efforts. He questioned the government’s reliance on an ordinance, citing past judicial rejections of similar measures in other states.
Allegations of Betrayal
The former minister claimed the Congress misled BC communities with unfulfilled promises from the Kamareddy Declaration, made ahead of the 2023 elections. He criticized the government for not pressuring the Centre for Presidential assent, labeling it a betrayal of BC aspirations.
Demand for Constitutional Safeguards
Yadav insisted that the 42% reservation must be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure legal validity. He emphasized that local body elections should only proceed once the quota is constitutionally protected, asserting it as a fundamental right, not a favor.
Flawed Caste Census
The BRS leader highlighted discrepancies in the state’s recent caste census, alleging it underreported BC populations. He argued that this undermines the reservation policy’s foundation and accused the government of superficial efforts to appease voters.
Call for Unified Action
Yadav vowed that BRS would collaborate with like-minded groups to advocate for BC rights if the government remains unresponsive. He urged the state to adopt the Tamil Nadu model for reservations to avoid legal challenges.
Implications for Upcoming Elections
With the Telangana High Court setting a September 30, 2025, deadline for panchayat elections, the unresolved reservation issue could shape voter sentiment. The Congress faces mounting pressure to deliver on its electoral promises amid growing opposition scrutiny.