HYDERABAD: Union Minister Bandi Sanjay has countered Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s appeal for the central government’s approval to increase Backward Classes (BC) reservations to 42% in Telangana. Sanjay asserted that, according to Article 243 of the Constitution, state governments possess the authority to establish dedicated commissions and implement BC reservations.
He questioned whether the Congress party had consulted the Modi government before including the 42% reservation promise in their election manifesto. Sanjay criticised the Congress for attempting to shift responsibility onto the central government, suggesting that they are trying to deflect from their own commitments. He emphasised that the Congress government, with a clear majority and support from the BRS, should focus on fulfilling its electoral promises without blaming the BJP.
Addressing the inclusion of Muslims in the BC reservation list, Sanjay highlighted that the BJP opposes religion-based reservations. He accused the Congress of deliberately reducing the BC population percentage in Telangana from over 56% to 46% by incorporating Muslims into the BC categories. Sanjay alleged that this move is unjust to the BC communities, as it diminishes their rightful share of reservations.
Furthermore, Sanjay questioned the silence of BC associations on this matter. He criticised their participation in protests alongside the Congress in Delhi, labelling such actions as political theatrics. Sanjay urged these associations to genuinely work towards the implementation of BC reservations with sincerity and dedication.
