Hyderabad: K Kavitha’s Rail Roko Threat Ignites OBC Quota Fight
Escalating Demand for OBC Reservations
Telangana Jagruthi President and BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha has announced a resolute ‘Rail Roko’ protest scheduled for July 17, 2025, to press for central approval of the Telangana Backward Classes (BC) Reservation Bill. The legislation, passed by the Telangana Assembly on March 17, 2025, seeks to elevate Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations from 23% to 42% in education, employment, and local body elections. The bills await presidential assent due to exceeding the 50% quota cap, prompting Kavitha’s call for direct action.
Stern Warning to Central Government
Kavitha has issued a stern ultimatum, vowing to halt all Delhi-bound trains from Telangana if the Centre fails to approve the BC reservation bills. “Not a single train will move from Deccan to Delhi,” she declared, emphasizing the protest’s intensity and signaling potential escalation to an indefinite rail blockade. This strategic move aims to amplify pressure on the BJP-led NDA government, which Kavitha accuses of harboring anti-BC sentiments.
Critique of National Leadership
In a pointed critique, Kavitha urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who identifies as an OBC, to champion the cause by expediting presidential approval. She also challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to direct Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to issue a government order (GO) to implement the enhanced quotas. Kavitha highlighted discrepancies in the state’s caste census, alleging a 6% undercount of the BC population compared to a 2014 survey, which she claims undermines the reservation push.
Constitutional Authority and Local Elections
Citing Article 243(D) of the Constitution, Kavitha asserted that the state possesses full authority to implement increased reservations via a simple GO, bypassing central delays. She stressed that local body elections should not proceed without the 42% BC quota in place. Telangana Jagruthi, under her leadership, will not contest these elections but will fully endorse candidates supported by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
Political Alliances and Broader Implications
Kavitha has garnered support from BC organizations and Rajya Sabha MP R Krishnaiah, forming a united front for the July 17 protest. She proposed including the BC reservation bill in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, akin to Tamil Nadu’s 69% quota model, to circumvent legal hurdles. The BRS MLC also criticized both BJP and Congress for neglecting BC welfare, urging regional parties to lead the charge for marginalized communities.
Potential for Intensified Agitation
Warning of a broader agitation, Kavitha indicated that the July 17 Rail Roko is merely a precursor to more robust actions if demands remain unmet. She underscored the 2.5 crore BC population in Telangana as a formidable force, ready to hold the central government accountable. The protest’s outcome could significantly influence Telangana’s political landscape ahead of upcoming local elections.