Ahead of local body polls, Telangana orders 42% reservation for backward classes

Hyderabad: Telangana government has ordered 42 per cent reservation for backward classes (BCs) in local bodies.

Backward Classes Welfare Department has issued a government order (GO) paving the way for the reservation of BCs in local body elections.

Commission findings backed quota

The GO cites the recommendations of a Commission constituted in November 2024 to study the status of BCs in the state. The panel, which also analysed caste survey data, submitted its report in March 2025.

The Commission observed that while BCs constitute 56.33 per cent of Telangana’s population, their representation in politics remained disproportionately low. It recommended at least 42 per cent reservation in local bodies to ensure fair participation.

Bills awaiting approval

The order comes even as two Bills passed by the Assembly on August 31, The Telangana Municipalities (Third Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The Telangana Panchayat Raj (Third Amendment) Bill, 2025, are still awaiting the Governor’s approval.

These Bills aimed to enhance BC representation in local bodies by lifting the 50 per cent overall quota cap. Earlier in March, the Assembly had cleared another set of Bills extending 42 per cent reservation for BCs in education, employment, and local bodies, which are pending Presidential assent.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had also led a delegation of ministers and legislators to Delhi, pressing the Centre for early approval of the Bills.

Congress hails the move

Welcoming the GO, TPCC President and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud described it as a landmark step for social justice.

“It is commendable that the government has issued orders ensuring 42 per cent seats for BCs in local body elections. This reflects the Congress government’s commitment to empowering BCs in politics, education, and employment,” he said.

He lauded Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the Cabinet for “working tirelessly to secure BC rights” and added that the move fulfilled the promise made by Rahul Gandhi.

Call for Cooperation

Mahesh Kumar Goud further appealed to all communities to extend support for the smooth implementation of reservations.

“This GO is proof of the Congress party’s sincerity and determination to stand by its word. By taking political, technical, legal, and constitutional steps, the government has ensured a fool-proof system for BC reservations,” he added.