Congress fights for BC justice: 42% reservation must not be denied

Hyderabad: Telangana Assembly recently passed a resolution to implement 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies—a long-standing demand to ensure fair political representation for communities that constitute the majority of our population.

Despite the Assembly’s decision and the State Cabinet’s subsequent move to issue an ordinance, the Governor has not yet signed it, causing deep disappointment among BC communities. As a result, the Telangana Government has announced a three-day protest in Delhi on August 5, 6, and 7, demanding justice for BCs.

Congress stands with BCs in Telangana and across India

This issue is not just about one ordinance. It is about the systemic neglect of BC communities across decades, and the continued denial of their share in power and opportunities.

At the AICC OBC Sammelan held in New Delhi on July 25, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised a powerful demand for justice: “Jiski jitni abadi, uski utni hissedari” (The greater the population, the greater the share.)

This is not a slogan—it is a call for structural reform.

The Congress Party is demanding:

• A nationwide caste census

• Proportional representation in legislature, jobs, and education

• Economic and social empowerment of BCs, based on data and constitutional safeguards

BJP’s Silence Is a Betrayal

The Telangana Assembly’s resolution to implement a 42% BC reservation was sent to the Union Government for inclusion under the 9th Schedule of the Constitution, to give it legal protection. But the BJP-led Central Government has not acted. Its silence on BC rights—whether on reservations, caste census, or representation—is nothing short of betrayal.

Even today, no national caste census has been conducted since 1931. The Modi Government refuses to acknowledge the real social composition of the country, because it fears the truth: that BCs, SCs, STs, and minorities are underrepresented in every sphere of governance.

Congress’s Historic Role and Commitment

It was the Congress that gave constitutional status to the Backward Classes Commission. It was the Congress that implemented the Mandal recommendations. It is the Congress that is now leading the fight for equitable reservation and recognition for BCs across the country.

In Telangana, we have consistently supported every measure that empowers BCs—whether in education, employment, or politics. We now demand:

1. Immediate signing of the 42% BC reservation ordinance by the Governor of Telangana

2. Inclusion of the reservation under the 9th Schedule by the Central Government

3. A national caste-based census to implement “hissedari” in true spirit

4. A roadmap for constitutional, economic, and political empowerment of BCs.

This is not about one party or government. This is about restoring dignity and justice to crores of people who have been denied their fair share for generations.

The Congress party will not stop until justice is delivered. Let BCs not be treated as a political convenience. Let them be respected as equal stakeholders in India’s democracy.

(A Sanjeev Mudiraj is General Secretary, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, SC, ST, OBC & Minority Cells)

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