The ruling Congress has pointed fingers at the BJP, alleging that the party, which was blocking the BC Bills, was participating in the bandh.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
A state-wide bandh called by the Backward Classes (BC) Joint Action Committee (JAC) in Telangana on 18 October, after the High Court issued a stay order on the enhancement of BC reservation in the local polls, has found support from all three key political parties – Congress, BJP, and BRS in the state. Telangana DGP B Shivadhar Reddy urged all political parties and organisations to ensure the bandh remains peaceful.
The ruling Congress has pointed fingers at the BJP, alleging that the party, which was blocking the BC Bills, was participating in the bandh.
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The Bandh call has been issued by the BC Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising about 170 BC associations in the state. The committee is led by BJP MP R Krishnaiah, who has approached all political parties to ensure that the bandh receives support from all quarters. The Telangana High Court has given a stay on the state government’s order on enhancing BC reservation to 42 per cent in the upcoming local body polls since it breached the 50 per cent norm set by the Supreme Court. The state government had moved the Supreme Court to get the stay vacated, but the apex court refused to intervene.
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The ruling Congress has extended support to the bandh. TPCC president Mahesh Goud slammed the BJP, pointing out, “Those who are blocking the BC Bills are also participating in the bandh.” Adding that the Congress is committed to granting 42 per cent reservations to the BCs, he said the party was fully supporting tomorrow’s bandh despite being in power.
Krishnaiah has urged all shops except medical stores to keep their shutters down and RTC buses to stay put in the terminus tomorrow. Schools will also remain closed. Telangana DGP warned that any attempt to create disturbances or indulge in unlawful activities will invite strict action according to law. He urged political parties to act responsibly.
Smaller parties like Telangana Rajyadhikara Party (TRP) led by Teenmar Mallana and Kalvakuntla Kavitha have also extended their support to the bandh. Kavitha, however, blamed both Congress and the BJP for neglecting the rights of BCs. Some BC leaders associated with political parties have also announced they will actively participate in the bandh. BJP’s Etela Rajender, who represents a key BC community, Mudiraj, has announced he will participate in the bandh at Jubilee Bus Station at 6 am.
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