Delhi Chalo for BC reservations: Telangana CM, MP's to approach President of India for the bill

Hyderabad: Telangana cabinet has urged the President of India to secure 42 percent reservations for backward classes in local body elections, education and employment.

Minister Poonam Prabhakar, ministers Konda Surekha and Vakiti Srihari said that chief minister Revanth Reddy, along with the leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi andthe Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge are to seek an appointment of the President on August 5, 6 and 7.

This high-stakes visit aims to appeal for swift assent of the reservation bills directly.

INDIA alliance MP's, MLCs in New Delhi

Congress members of Parliament from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, members of legislative Assembly and also members or Parliament of INDIA alliance to camp in Delhi for three days.

Poonam Prabhakar said, "We appeal to every backward class individual, intellectual and caste association from Telangana to join this collective advocacy in the nation's capital."

Call for Unity and Central Support

Minister Prabhakar underscored the state government's unwavering commitment to its promise of BC reservations, urging the central government to intervene and facilitate the President's approval of the pending bills.

He directly appealed to BJP leaders and workers, including the five BC MPs from Telangana (Arvind, Bandi Sanjay, Etela Rajender, R Krishnaiah, and Laxman), to support these crucial bills.

He openly criticized BJP State President Ramachandra Rao for opposing the reservations and called on the BJP's BC leadership to condemn such stances and back the weaker sections.

Recalling previous appeals, Minister Prabhakar drew parallels to the Telangana movement, emphasizing the need for a unified struggle to ensure justice for over 90% of the population, including SCs, STs, BCs, and minorities.

Despite what he described as attempts to obstruct the bills, he reaffirmed the Congress government's dedication to providing 42% BC reservations in the state.

Unified Action in Delhi: A Pivotal Moment

Minister Prabhakar reiterated the comprehensive plan for the Delhi visit:

Leadership Meeting: On August 5, 6, and 7, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, along with the Leaders of the Opposition in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, will meet the President.

Mass Mobilization: Over 100 MPs from the Congress and its allies, Rajya Sabha members, and virtually every elected representative from Telangana will join the delegation in Delhi.

He urged BC intellectuals, leaders, and caste associations to be present in Delhi on August 5, 6 and 7. He stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to secure 42% reservations in local bodies.

Addressing the 50% reservation cap, Prabhakar cited the Indira Sawhney case, which allows states to proceed independently with empirical data. He highlighted that the Telangana government has meticulously collected data to avoid legal challenges, even providing an online option for data submission based on expert advice.

He affirmed the transparent implementation of the Kamareddy BC declarations, asserting the role of Congress government for social justice. Given the time sensitivity of the bills pending with the President and the High Court's directive for elections, he appealed to all to urge the President for approval.

Prabhakar explained that the 50% cap on reservations is no longer applicable after the EWS reservations, noting that Telangana's current reservations (29% BC, 15% SC, 10% ST) total 64%. He urged BJP BC leaders, including R Krishnaiah, to lead and participate actively in the Delhi program.

The Journey of the Reservation Bills

Prabhakar detailed the legislative path these bills have taken:

Household Survey: Following the Congress government's ascension to power, a comprehensive household survey was initiated on February 4, 2024. The findings were reviewed by a sub-committee, presented to the Cabinet, and subsequently approved on February 4, 2025.

Legislative Approval: On March 17, the Telangana Legislative Assembly, with bipartisan support and under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's leadership, passed two bills (Bill Numbers 3 and 4). These bills propose increasing reservations to 42% in local body elections and in education and employment opportunities.

Presidential Assent Pending: The bills were forwarded to the Governor on March 22, who, after seeking legal counsel, sent them for Presidential assent on March 30. Both bills are presently awaiting the President's approval.

Navigating Legal and Political Hurdles

Poonam Prabhakar acknowledged ongoing legal complexities, including Supreme Court and Chennai High Court rulings concerning the powers of the President and Governor. He criticized the previous Chief Minister for reducing BC reservations in local bodies from 34% through the 2018 Act, which imposed a 50% reservation cap.

To counter this, an ordinance was issued on July 7 and sent to the Governor on July 14. This ordinance seeks to lift the 50% cap within the 2018 Panchayat Raj Act, aligning it with the state's newly enacted law for 42% reservations. The state is currently awaiting the Governor's positive response.

Prabhakar also voiced concerns over the delay in receiving Gram Panchayat funds from the central government, particularly as the High Court has begun announcing election dates.