Hyderabad: Former MP and BRS leader B. Vinod Kumar on Wednesday said the proposed increase in Backward Classes (BC) reservations will have no legal standing unless it is placed under the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
Speaking at Telangana Bhavan, Vinod warned that the state’s move to push the BC quota through ordinance would not stand scrutiny. “We always knew the ordinance would not be approved. Only a constitutional amendment specifically through the Ninth Schedule can protect BC reservations above the 50% cap set by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney judgment,” he said.
He accused both BJP and Congress of playing politics over the issue. “Modi lacks intent, Rahul won’t act. If they wanted, the bill could be passed in Parliament in an hour,” he said, urging Rahul Gandhi to table a private member bill in his role as Leader of the Opposition.
The state government has already passed a bill and sent it to the Centre. An ordinance is awaiting the Governor’s nod, and a cabinet decision has cleared plans for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and ministers to stage a protest in Delhi demanding approval. Vinod dismissed the protest plans. “No need for theatrics. Just walk Rahul Gandhi to the Prime Minister and demand it,” he said.
He pointed to past resolutions by former CM KCR and current CM Revanth, which he said should be clubbed and passed as a central law. “KCR didn’t wait for constitutional amendments he created opportunities for BCs, including appointing an Advocate General from the community,” he added.
Vinod also took aim at BJP’s Telangana unit, questioning its promise to appoint a BC as CM. “How can you promise a BC chief minister when you haven’t even supported BC quota expansion?” he asked.
He urged the Centre to amend Article 243D and place the state’s BC quota law in the Ninth Schedule to ensure constitutional protection.
