Telangana Plans BC Reservations for Local Elections
The Telangana government has come up with a plan to gain support from Backward Communities (BCs) in the upcoming local body elections. As part of this, the government will pass a law during the budget session in early March to provide legal backing for the 42% reservation for BCs.
Once the law is passed, local body elections will be held with reservations for BCs at different levels, including ward, panchayat, mandal, municipal, and Zilla Parishad levels. This move aims to ensure fair representation for BCs in local governance.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy recently held a high-level meeting to discuss the Dedication Commission report on BC reservations in local elections. The meeting decided to approve the recommendations of the report in an upcoming cabinet meeting.
To further analyze the caste census findings, a two-hour PowerPoint presentation will be conducted on Friday. This session will include participation from the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, and intellectuals. The feedback from various stakeholders will be used to ensure the proper implementation of the commission’s recommendations.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed his support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demand for a nationwide caste census. He announced that a delegation, led by him, would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers during the budget session of Parliament to push for this demand. Congress MPs will also raise the issue in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
After the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the BC reservations in local body elections will be strictly based on the findings of the caste survey. The government also plans to seek support from opposition parties to pass the bill in the Assembly. He called the decision to grant legal status to BC reservations a historic step in India.
To ensure complete data collection, the government will allow families who were left out of the initial caste survey to register their details. They can do so through a toll-free number, online platforms, or at MDP offices between February 16 and February 28. The Deputy CM also urged BRS leaders K Chandrashekhar Rao, KT Rama Rao, and other political leaders to take part in the extended caste survey.
Congress leaders believe that under Revanth Reddy’s leadership, the party’s efforts to spread awareness about the caste survey and BC reservations will help counter opposition narratives and strengthen their support among BC communities.
