Hyderabad: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced that the Telangana government would file an affidavit in the High Court to defend the 42 per cent BC quota in local bodies. He stated that the Congress government remained firm in its commitment to protect BC rights through every possible legal step.
Ponnam Prabhakar joins the BC protest in Hyderabad
Prabhakar joined the BC dharna in Hyderabad on Saturday, accompanied by senior Congress leaders. While addressing reporters, he said the government had already completed a caste census and passed the BC Reservation Bill in both Houses. The Governor then sent the Bill to the President for approval; however, the Centre had not cleared it since March 30.
He added that this delay blocked gram panchayat elections and, consequently, central funds for almost two years. Therefore, he criticised the Centre for ignoring Telangana’s unanimous political backing for the Bill.
‘Centre must act or face public anger’
Prabhakar said the government would continue its legal fight until justice was achieved. Moreover, he praised BC organisations for forming a JAC with support from Madiga Dandora and Mala Mahanadu to lead the bandh.
As Transport Minister, he also halted bus services across Telangana after requests from all political parties. Though the bandh caused some public inconvenience, he said its effect must reach the Centre.
Furthermore, he urged Union Ministers Bandi Sanjay, Kishan Reddy, and other MPs to present Telangana’s BC concerns before the Centre. If they failed to act, he warned, they would face public disapproval.
Finally, Prabhakar said the state had fulfilled its duty on BC reservations, and now the Centre must respond. He congratulated citizens who actively joined the BC bandh across the state.