Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday demanded that the Modi government approve state bills seeking to raise reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in education, employment, and local bodies to 42 percent. Speaking at a protest organized by National BC Welfare Associations at Jantar Mantar, Reddy criticized the Centre for its lack of response despite multiple representations from the state government.

"Despite several requests, the Centre has not responded, which is why we are protesting today," he stated. On March 17, the Telangana Legislative Assembly passed two bills to increase BC reservations from 23 percent to 42 percent in educational institutions, government jobs, and elections for rural and urban local bodies. However, since this exceeds the 50 percent reservation cap, the bills require central approval.

Reddy questioned the Centre’s reluctance, emphasizing that Telangana alone seeks to implement the increased quota. "We are asking Prime Minister Modi to approve the reservation bill for Telangana, not for Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, or Madhya Pradesh. If our state wants to provide 42 percent reservation, why does Modi have an issue with it?" he asked.

The CM urged Modi to acknowledge Telangana’s demand and approve the bills. "We are prepared to implement this, so approve the bill," he asserted. Reddy further accused the Modi government of attempting to dominate Telangana. "The Centre should not try to impose its authority on our state. History has shown what happens when rulers try to dominate, as seen with the Nizams and Razakars," he remarked. He also pointed out that the BJP-led government has passed several controversial laws, such as Triple Talaq, Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act, and farm bills, despite lacking majority support. On the same day, the Waqf Bill was introduced in Parliament.

Reddy accused the BJP of neglecting BC welfare and delaying the caste census since 2019 to counter Rahul Gandhi’s demand for reservations based on caste data. "Rahul Gandhi is advocating for reservations based on the caste census, but the BJP is avoiding it," he alleged. The protest rally saw participation from key political figures, including DMK MP Kanimozhi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, TPCC president Bomma Mahegh Kumar Goud, CPI national secretary K. Narayana, NCP leader Supriya Sule, and representatives from 42 BC unions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.