Hyderabad: BJP MP and National BC Welfare Association president R. Krishnaiah, along with leaders from 18 BC welfare organisations, has appealed to the Telangana government to conduct the local body elections only after the introduction of 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs). The leaders emphasised that the government should adopt a cooperative approach with the Centre and all political parties instead of confrontational tactics to ensure the timely implementation of this reservation. Krishnaiah criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy-led Congress government for delaying the 42 per cent BC quota despite its earlier declaration in Kamareddy and accused it of deflecting responsibility by blaming the BJP or the Centre. He reminded that, constitutionally, the power to conduct local body elections and decide reservation percentages rests with the state government. Under Article 246(6) of the Constitution, Telangana has the authority to increase BC reservations in local bodies, with laws already enacted and Government Orders prepared for immediate execution. Citing strong legal grounds, Krishnaiah expressed confidence that the Supreme Court’s precedent in lifting the 50 per cent reservation ceiling supports the 42 per cent BC reservation demand. He urged the government to proceed without delay, stating that waiting on legal or political hurdles only prolongs the issue and delays elections. The leaders also highlighted that two BC Bills approved by the Telangana Assembly have been pending with the Governor’s office for over three months without approval or rejection, holding up progress. Drawing upon similar past scenarios, such as in Tamil Nadu, they stressed the need for legal intervention to ensure the Governor acts within constitutional timelines. The meeting was attended by key BC leaders, including Neel Venkatesh (Telangana State BC Welfare Association), Jillapalli Anji (Telangana BC Youth Association), C. Rajender (Telangana BC Association), Anantaiah (Telangana Castes JAC), Nikhil Patel (OU BC Students Association), Barka Krishna (State BC Sena), G. Mallesh Yadav (State BC Front), Niranjan (RTC BC Employees Association), and others.
Source link
