It is learned that Telangana BJP leaders have raised the issue of BC reservations before the party high command. During their visit to Delhi in the backdrop of the Vice-Presidential election, BJP MPs and other key leaders reportedly discussed this matter in detail with senior leadership.
The Congress government had passed two bills and issued ordinances to provide 42% reservations for Backward Classes in education, employment, and politics. However, since these proposals have been kept pending with the President for months, BJP leaders explained that resentment is growing against their party at the grassroots level.
According to reports, state leaders told the high command that there is a strong public perception that BJP is blocking the approval of these bills. This narrative has been spreading rapidly across villages. They also pointed out that during the protest held by Congress in Delhi on August 6 demanding Presidential approval, BJP was accused of preventing an appointment with the President, which further fueled this sentiment.
The Telangana Congress government has been projecting itself as leaving no stone unturned in implementing BC reservations. As part of its Kamareddy Declaration made before the elections, the government passed the bills in the Assembly and Council on March 17 and 18 this year. Since the bills have not received Presidential assent, ordinances were issued, but they too remain pending.
Subsequently, on August 31, amendments were made to the Panchayat Raj Act-2018 and Municipal Act-2019 to ensure implementation. BJP leaders reportedly conveyed to the high command that this has created a strong impression among people that Congress is relentless in pursuing BC reservations, while BJP is being cornered.
“Our Argument Isn’t Convincing People”
Telangana BJP leaders are said to have admitted that their stance on BC reservations is not winning support at the ground level. Their campaign that Congress is extending BC quota benefits to Muslims has not gained traction. They acknowledged that the reality is, in BJP-ruled states as well, backward Muslim communities are included in the OBC list as per law. Since state governments have the authority to include backward Muslim groups in the OBC category, BJP’s allegations in this regard are not holding up, leaders reportedly explained.
BJP High Command Seeks Details on Congress Meeting
It is learned that the BJP high command has sought details about the Kamareddy public meeting that the Congress party is scheduled to hold on the 15th of this month. State BJP leaders reportedly explained to the high command that Congress is planning to mobilize nearly two lakh people for the event, using it as a platform to showcase its efforts to secure 42% reservations for BCs before the people of Telangana.
They also explained that with BRS grappling with internal problems, Congress is mainly aiming this meeting at targeting BJP. According to them, Congress intends to strengthen the perception among the public that BJP is blocking the approval of BC reservation bills, and the Kamareddy Sabha is part of this strategy.