Top Telangana Congress leaders, including ministers and MLAs, staged a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, urging the Central Government and the President to approve the Telangana OBC Reservation Bill—which seeks to grant 42% reservations to Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections, education, and government jobs.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy joined the protest, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was also expected to participate.
“The Telangana Government passed the bill and sent it to the Governor. From there, it needs the President’s assent. We are requesting the Centre to clear it so 42% reservation can be implemented in upcoming local body elections,” said Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.
Minister G Vivekanand highlighted that the bill aligns with the Congress manifesto and the party’s commitment to social justice.
“This is our just demand. As Rahul Gandhi has stated, social justice is essential. We urge the Centre to approve the exemption and grant Presidential assent for the 42% reservation,” Vivekanand said.
Congress MLA Vijayashanti questioned the BJP’s position on the matter.
“We are waiting to see what BJP’s stance will be. Will they support this if the Bill is tabled in Parliament?” she asked.
Earlier this week, Congress MP Mallu Ravi moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, seeking an urgent discussion on the bill.
The proposed legislation reflects the demographic representation and longstanding demand of backward communities in Telangana for proportional reservation.
Meanwhile, BRS MLC K. Kavitha launched a 72-hour hunger strike at Hyderabad’s Dharna Chowk on Monday, demanding swift clearance of the same bill. The political pressure is mounting as various parties call for urgent action to ensure greater inclusion for BC communities in Telangana.
