Hyderabad: R Krishnaiah, leader of the BC Welfare Association, on Sunday called on Backward Caste communities to back BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha in her efforts to increase reservations for BCs in local body elections. Kavitha, president of Telangana Jagruthi, requested Krishnaiah’s support for a planned ‘Rail Roko’ on July 17. Krishnaiah pledged full support for the BC movement led by Kavitha. He assured participation in the ‘Rail Roko’ event, organized jointly by Telangana Jagruthi and the United Phule Front. He urged BCs to actively support MLC Kavitha’s cause.
On Sunday, Kavitha visited Krishnaiah at his home in Hyderabad. She sought his endorsement for the ‘Rail Roko’ initiative, intended to pressure the central government to approve a bill for 42% reservation for BCs in local elections.
Speaking to the press, Kavitha praised Krishnaiah for his leadership in various social and democratic movements. She mentioned their ongoing two-year fight to enforce the Kamareddy BC Declaration from the Congress party. She noted that their efforts led to the assembly passing two bills for 42% BC reservations in local bodies.
Kavitha criticized the government for not implementing 42% reservations through a GO under Article 243(D) of the Constitution. She accused the government of blaming the President and planning elections without these reservations. She accused the Congress government of only giving lip service to BCs. She emphasized the need for collective action against these policies, especially with rumors of a cabinet decision on local elections. She explained that public movements like ‘Rail Roko’ are necessary to pressure both central and state governments. She declared, “Aur Ek Dhakka… BC Bill Pakka…”
Krishnaiah accused the state government of distracting the public by denying its constitutional power to set reservation percentages in local bodies. He demanded a GO for 42% reservations if there is true commitment. He cautioned that holding elections without these reservations would betray BCs. He warned of a ‘war’ in the state if elections proceed without 42% BC reservations.
