Sai Eshwarachari’s death puts spotlight on BC quota: Niranjan appeals against extreme measures

Hyderabad: The death of Sai Eshwarachari in Gandhi Hospital, allegedly due to the community being denied the 42 per cent Backward Classes (BC) quota, has got the political atmosphere charged again.

Telangana Commission for Backward Classes chairman G Niranjan in his condolence message has asked the community members to refrain from such acts.

Expressing his profound condolences, he lamented the loss of life, appealing to the community not to resort to such extreme measures. “It is deeply disturbing that Sai Eshwarachari, alleging injustice to the BCs, resorted to such a tragic death,” the Chairman stated.

‘Implementation tally at only 21.39%’

He acknowledged that the BC community, who had fervently believed that 42 per cent reservations would be implemented in the State, were now deeply anguished after seeing the final implementation tally at only 21.39 per cent.

“This incident is an example of that emotional distress,” he added.

Chairman Niranjan criticised the political handling of the issue, calling it ‘unfortunate’ that representations detailing the alleged mistakes in the reservation structure were ignored, and the elections were announced without a re-examination.

Vowing that Eshwarachari’s death would not be in vain, Niranjan declared that it would serve as an inspiration to continue the struggle until the full 42 per cent reservation for BCs is achieved. He concluded his appeal by requesting the State government to provide immediate support to the deceased’s family and announce an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh.

What happened with Sai?

Sai Eshwarachari poured petrol on himself in public within the Medipally police station limits in Medchal-Malkajgiri. People rushed to stop him but were too late. He was admitted to Gandhi Hospital in a critical state.

Members of the BC community allege that he took this severe step as he was emotionally distressed and anguished that the BC reservation bill was not implemented in the state.

Background of the reservation case

The tragic self-immolation by Sai Eshwarachari is rooted in a long-standing, volatile and complex political issue surrounding Backward Classes (BC) reservations in Telangana.

The main issue revolves around the vast gap between the 42 per cent reservation that the BC community believed they were promised or deserved, and the 21.39 per cent figure that was ultimately implemented.

- When the actual reservation structure was finalised the figure came out to be significantly lower—around 21.39 per cent.

- Constitutional and legal constraints have created a hurdle in the implementation process.

- The announcement of the local body polls has aggravated the issue as the BC community wants the complete 42 per cent to be implemented.