Bandh cripples life in Telangana; protestors demand 42% BC quota in local body polls

Hyderabad: Normal life was paralyzed in Telangana following a state-wide bandh called by the Backward Classes Joint Action Committee (BCJAC) for a 42 percent reservation for BCs in the upcoming local body elections.

The shutdown received backing from major political parties, community organisations, and citizen groups, disrupting daily life and public transport across the state.

Widespread Political and Community support

The bandh saw participation from Congress, BJP, BRS, CPI, CPM, Telangana Jagruti Samiti, CPI (M) New Democracy, and even some Maoist factions. In addition, student, tribal, minority, and public organisations joined hands with BC associations, ensuring the shutdown was enforced in both urban and rural areas.

Public Transport comes to standstill

Protesters blocked highways and bus depots statewide. In Hyderabad, RTC buses were confined to Uppal, Chengicherla, and Kukatpally depots, stranding nearly 125 buses at Kukatpally.

Major city roads remained deserted. BJP MP Etela Rajender joined a dharna at Jubilee Bus Stand in Secunderabad, while BC JAC leaders staged sit-ins at MGBS, halting bus services.

Similar scenes were reported from Warangal, Mahabubnagar, Nizamabad, Vikarabad, Karimnagar, Sangareddy, Medak, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Manuguru, Bhadrachalam, Adilabad, and Asifabad, where schools closed and businesses voluntarily shut their shutters.

Leaders join protests across districts

Former BRS minister Srinivas Goud participated in the Mahabubnagar protests, while Congress and BJP leaders joined demonstrations in various districts.

PCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud called upon ministers, MPs, MLAs, and MLCs to actively participate. He, along with Minister Konda Surekha, MLA Danam Nagender, and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Yadav, joined protests at Amberpet, Rathifile, and MGBS bus stands.

BRS leaders mobilised from Telangana Bhavan to support protests at the mandal and district levels. Telangana Jagruti president K. Kavitha led a human chain at Khairatabad intersection, urging the government and judiciary to implement the 42 percent BC reservation in local body elections.

Citizens urged to cooperate

BC associations requested citizens’ cooperation, while keeping essential medical and emergency services operational. The bandh’s impact, felt in cities and towns alike, reflects growing momentum behind the BC JAC’s demand for social justice and equitable representation.