A statewide bandh (strike) has been called for Saturday in Telangana, demanding 42 percent reservation for the Backward Classes (BC) community. This bandh is supported by several political parties and organizations, including Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Left parties.
Hyderabad: A statewide bandh (strike) has been called today in Telangana, demanding 42 percent reservation for the Backward Classes community. This bandh is supported by several political organizations, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and Left parties. The primary reason for the bandh is reportedly the Telangana High Court's stay on the state government's order for 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes. In protest against this, Backward Class organizations announced the bandh for Saturday.
Reason for the Bandh and Legal Background
The Telangana government had issued an order to provide 42 percent reservation to Backward Classes in local bodies. This order increased the total reservation to 67 percent, combining Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and other categories. However, the Supreme Court stayed this order, citing the 50 percent reservation limit. The Telangana government attempted to implement this order even in the Supreme Court, but it faced challenges there as well.
Due to this judicial background, Backward Class organizations called for a statewide bandh to press for justice and equal opportunities in society.
What will be closed and what will remain open?
Due to the bandh, all government offices, schools, and colleges will remain closed. Additionally, public transport services may also be affected. However, essential services and healthcare services will continue. Critical departments like police and hospitals will function normally. Business activities may also be impacted, with markets and private establishments likely to remain closed.
Both BJP and Congress have supported the bandh. BJP MP R. Krishnaiah stated: "This protest represents the collective voice of all backward classes in the state. We will stage a massive protest for justice and pressure the government to provide reservation in employment and local bodies."
Meanwhile, Telangana's ruling Congress also supported the bandh. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka alleged that the Modi government at the center is not approving the Backward Classes quota enhancement bill. This statement clearly indicates ongoing tension between the state and central governments regarding reservation policy.
