Hyderabad: N Ramchander Rao, the president of the Telangana State BJP, called on the Congress government to ensure 42% reservations solely for the Backward Classes (BC). He insisted that these reservations should not include any other groups.
At a protest organized by the BJP OBC Morcha at Dharna Chowk, Indira Park, Rao demanded the exclusion of the 10% reservation for Muslims from the BC reservation list. He stated the BJP’s clear stance against religion-based reservations. Many party members showed up to support the demand for the Kamareddy BC declaration‘s implementation.
Rao criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for politicizing BC reservations by holding protests in Delhi at Jantar Mantar. He argued that the Congress has failed to implement the 42% reservation policy and blamed the central government for its shortcomings. He urged Revanth Reddy to apologize to the Backward Classes for breaking his promises.
The BJP, according to Rao, is the true advocate for BC welfare. He noted that Narendra Modi, a BC leader, is the Prime Minister, and 27 BC leaders are part of his cabinet. Additionally, five states with BJP governments have BC Chief Ministers. In contrast, the Congress has never appointed a BC Chief Minister in united Andhra Pradesh or Telangana.
Rao highlighted that the Karnataka government also promised BC reservations before elections but failed to deliver. He accused the Revanth Reddy government of raising the BC reservation issue just before local elections without any intention of keeping its promises.
Rao challenged CM Revanth Reddy to disclose the funds spent on BC welfare in the state. He urged the BC community to back the BJP, which actively fights for their rights.
Etala Rajender, Malkajgiri MP, remarked that the Congress committed to a 42% reservation for BCs in local bodies, education, and jobs during the Kamareddy BC Declaration. However, under the BRS regime, this was reduced to 23%, disappointing the BC community.
Revanth Reddy has not kept his promises, such as implementing 42% BC reservations and holding elections within six months. BCs feel betrayed, and Reddy’s credibility is questioned. Promises regarding fee reimbursements, interest-free loans for BC youth, and increased pensions remain unfulfilled. Unreleased arrears have left families in debt.
While a commission for BC statistics exists, it lacks legal standing, unlike Tamil Nadu’s commission under Article 340 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952. Conversely, the BJP has appointed OBC ministers and achieved significant leadership under Prime Minister Modi, who is respected nationwide.
As long as the BRS and Congress lead, BC progress will stall. It’s essential to distinguish between those who promise and those who act.
