Hyderabad: The Congress government will lead a three-day push in Delhi from August 5 demanding presidential assent to the stalled BC quota bill. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar blamed BJP leaders for backing the legislation in Telangana’s Assembly but blocking it at the Centre.
The state cabinet has finalised a joint delegation of Telangana MLAs, MLCs, ministers, and MPs from all parties – joined by over 100 Congress and alliance lawmakers – to press for 42% reservations for Backward Classes in local bodies, education, and employment.
“Supporters of BC quotas must stand with us in Delhi,” Ponnam said, urging intellectuals, caste groups, and party workers to join the mobilization.
Bills passed, stalled in Delhi
Two bills raising BC quotas to 42% were passed in the Assembly on March 17 with cross-party support and sent to the Governor on March 22. After legal vetting, they were forwarded to the President on March 30. Both remain pending.
Ponnam said the bills followed a caste-based household survey ordered on February 4, 2024, and cleared by cabinet on February 4 this year.
The state also issued an ordinance in July removing the 50% reservation cap imposed under the 2018 Panchayati Raj Act. That ordinance was sent to the Governor on July 14.
BJP accused of doublespeak
Ponnam accused BJP MPs—including Arvind, Bandi Sanjay, Etela Rajender, R. Krishnaiah, and Laxman—of failing to back the bills they publicly supported. He called out state BJP chief Ramachandra Rao for opposing the legislation and urged the party’s BC leaders to break ranks.
He warned that delay could force the matter to the Supreme Court or stall local body polls. “Even EWS quotas pushed the cap past 50%. Why the double standard only for BCs?” he asked.
Watch Live: Hon’ble Ministers Sri @Ponnam_INC and Sri Vakiti Srihari will Address the Media at Secretariat.@TelanganaCMO @revanth_anumula @Min_SridharBabu @OffDSB https://t.co/yqKG3wL9T2
— Telangana Digital Media Wing (@DigitalMediaTG) July 28, 2025
Pressure tactics escalate
The Congress likened its BC quota campaign to the Telangana agitation, calling on all community groups to rally. Ponnam cited Indra Sawhney case law allowing quota expansion with empirical data. He said Telangana’s current matrix – 29% BC, 15% SC, 10% ST – already breaks the ceiling.
He claimed full transparency in implementing BC declarations and allowing fresh online registrations for those left out. “Not one percent of doubt on our intent,” he said.
The cabinet passed the bills unanimously and expects the Centre to intervene. “We’ll fight this with every method—legal, political, and public,” Ponnam said.
