`Chalo Delhi’: Telangana Congress to launch three-day protest from Aug 5 for implementation of 42% BC quota
Telangana Congress to protest in Delhi, demanding immediate implementation of 42% reservations for Backward Classes
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Telangana Congress in charge Meenakshi Natarajan, president Mahesh Kumar Goud call the backward class associations for Chalo Delhi protest for the Backward Class reservation bill
Hyderabad/New Delhi: Telangana Congress is set to launch a three-day protest in Delhi demanding the immediate implementation of 42% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in the state.
`Chalo Delhi’ will be held from August 5 to 7
`Chalo Delhi’ movement aims to exert pressure on the Central government and the President of India to approve the crucial BC reservation bills recently passed by the Telangana Assembly.
The Telangana Legislative Assembly, with the support of all political parties, including the BJP, passed two bills in March 2025. These bills propose to increase the reservation for Backward Classes to 42% in:
Educational institutions and government employment.
Rural and urban local bodies.
This proposed 42% reservation for BCs, when combined with existing reservations for Scheduled Castes (15%) and Scheduled Tribes (10%), would push the total reservation in Telangana to 67%. This figure exceeds the Supreme Court's 50% cap on reservations, making central approval and potentially a constitutional amendment necessary for its implementation.
Following their passage in the Assembly, these bills were sent to the Governor for assent on March 22, 2025. On March 30, the Governor forwarded them to the President of India for approval. The Telangana government also prepared an ordinance to amend the Panchayati Raj Act to remove the 50% reservation limit, which has also reportedly been sent to the President. The delay in receiving presidential assent has prompted the Congress government to escalate its demands to the national level.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud have, in various forums, talked about their commitment to social justice and the empowerment of BC communities.
The BJP, while asserting its commitment to BC welfare, has criticized the Congress's approach, arguing that the proposed 42% effectively translates to a lower percentage for core BCs due to the inclusion of a 10% Muslim quota within it. They also emphasize the need for a nationwide caste census, which they state the Modi government is committed to conducting, to ensure comprehensive justice for BCs. Other parties like the BRS have also announced their protests on the BC quota issue, highlighting the broad political significance of the matter in Telangana.
The Three-Day Delhi Program:
To press their demands, the Telangana Congress has meticulously planned a three-day program in the national capital:
August 5th: TPCC leaders will introduce an adjournment motion in both Houses of Parliament, seeking a discussion on the critical issue of BC reservations.
August 6th: A massive protest in support of BC reservations will be staged at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. A large contingent of Congress workers from Telangana, including Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, is expected to participate, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud.
August 7th: A delegation led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will submit a formal petition to the Hon'ble President of India, urging approval of the 42% BC reservation bills passed by the Telangana Assembly. Reports suggest that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge may also seek an audience with the President.
Logistics for the Movement:
To facilitate the participation of party workers, the TPCC has arranged a special train. This train will depart today, August 4th, at 9 AM from Charlapalli Railway Station, heading to Delhi. TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud and AICC In-charge Meenakshi Natarajan are scheduled to travel with party workers from Charlapalli to Nagpur on this special train. The return journey from Delhi is slated to begin on the evening of August 7th. All workers traveling to Delhi have been instructed to compulsorily carry their Aadhaar cards, and DCC Presidents are responsible for ensuring that district-level workers arrive at Charlapalli Railway Station on time.
Background of the Reservation Push:
The demand for enhanced BC reservations has been a long-standing issue in Telangana, reflecting the socio-economic and political aspirations of a significant segment of the state's population. Currently, BCs in Telangana have a 29% quota in education and employment, and varying percentages in local bodies. However, based on a comprehensive socio-economic survey conducted by the new Congress government in Telangana, a need for increased representation was identified.
