Minister Ponnam: Opposition showing false sympathy over weaker sections while opposing BC bill

Hyderabad: Speaking about the bill for 42 per cent reservation of Backward Classes (BC), Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said that some parties are shedding crocodile tears over the weaker sections.

Speaking at the Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday, he said that the Congress government is committed to 42 per cent reservation for BCs and they have done everything legally required to ensure the passage of the bill in the Parliament.

Telangana Gram Panchayat elections

The Election Commission has recently announced the schedule for the sarpanch elections to be held in three phases. The minister said that the government had to go to the polls because the government had not received any funds from the Centre for two years, which would impede development.

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar questioned why the Opposition parties are not coming forward to fight for the Rs 2,800 crore that should come to the state from the Centre.

“Opposition parties did not participate in the arguments taking place in the courts,” the minister alleged.

‘Come together for passage of BC Bill’

The minister found fault with the BJP, stating that though they have made a member of the BC community a CM, the party president still is an upper caste.

He said that Congress is a champion of social classes and sought suggestions from the public for making the BC Bill a reality. “You should fight against the BJP and BRS leaders who are stopping the BC bill,” he said.

“Our government and party are running according to the Constitution. Some people are deliberately spreading false data that BCs got fewer seats,” he said.

Speaking to the BJP leaders, the minister said that the Central government has the power to pass the bill, but is not doing it. "If the BC bill is passed, 100 per cent of Hindus will get justice, Bandi Sanjay,” he said, addressing the Lok Sabha BJP MP.