Hyderabad: N Ramchander Rao, the BJP Telangana chief, emphasized that any party member who acts against party discipline will face action. He clarified that there is no difference between old and new members, stating that such distinctions are misconceptions.
Speaking to the media in Delhi on Monday, he assured that leaders who harm or go against party discipline will be dealt with. As the state president, he is committed to addressing minor issues within the party, while national leaders will handle more significant concerns involving leaders and workers.
On his first visit to Delhi after becoming the BJP Telangana State President, Rao sought guidance from the central leadership to bolster the party in Telangana. He met with Sunil Bansal, Arvind Menon, and Nitin Gadkari and planned to meet JP Nadda and Amit Shah in Parliament.
Rao criticized Congress leaders for misleading the public in India and Telangana. He pointed out that while important discussions took place in Parliament, the main opposition leader was absent, making their criticism of the BJP baseless. He noted that Revanth Reddy, the Chief Minister, visited Delhi 46 times in 19 months, but key Congress figures like Rahul Gandhi did not meet him, whereas Narendra Modi and Union Ministers did.
Rao argued that preventing Rahul Gandhi from meeting Revanth Reddy insults the people of Telangana. He also criticized Congress for blaming the central government over the 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).
A bill was introduced to provide 42% reservation in local elections, which BJP supported. However, Rao expressed worries about a plan to implement a 10% reservation for Muslim minorities before finalizing the ordinance, opposing religious and political reservations.
Congress suggested including the 42% BC reservation in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution. Rao questioned if legal advice was sought since this would exceed the Supreme Court’s 50% cap. He stated that amending Section 285 of the Panchayati Raj Act is necessary for the increase, yet Congress considers an ordinance without understanding the 9th Schedule process.
He reminded that the Supreme Court in the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case stated laws in the 9th Schedule are still reviewable. He mentioned the ongoing case on the reservation law in Tamil Nadu under Jayalalithaa, which awaits a final decision.
Rao accused Congress of misleading the public about the 42% BC reservation and demanded an apology for deceiving the BC community. He criticized Congress for ignoring the need to amend Section 285 despite knowing the Supreme Court’s stance. He advised Congress to focus on implementing the promised 42% reservation instead of blaming the central government, reiterating BJP’s stance against religious reservations.
