Voices of Justice: Telangana BC Bandh Sees Political Giants Stand Together

Image Source : Telangana Today

Telangana witnessed a powerful statewide bandh on October 18, with all major political parties including Congress, BJP, and BRS uniting behind the Backward Classes Joint Action Committee’s demand for 42% reservation in local body elections. The bandh passed peacefully, highlighting the BC community’s resolute fight for justice.

All Parties Stand with BCs in Historic Telangana Bandh

In a rare display of political unity, Telangana’s major parties threw their weight behind the bandh called by Backward Classes (BC) organizations to demand 42% reservation in local bodies. The statewide protest, organized by the Telangana Backward Classes Joint Action Committee (BCJAC), marked a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for social justice by BC communities.

The bandh saw widespread closure of schools, colleges, shops, and business establishments, while essential services operated cautiously. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) adhered to police advisories during the bandh, with protests including peaceful dharnas and rallies from Basheerbagh to Tank Bund in Hyderabad.

Political Support and Solidarity

Notably, the ruling Congress party, opposition BRS, BJP, CPI, and CPM lent official support. Congress leaders including MPs and MLAs actively participated, with Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee chief M Mahesh Kumar Goud emphasizing the party’s commitment to BC rights. BRS leaders urged refusal of local elections until 42% BC reservations were guaranteed, while the BJP expressed solidarity and praised BCJAC efforts.

Root Cause and Legal Context

The bandh follows a Telangana High Court interim stay on Government Order (GO) granting 42% reservation to BCs in upcoming local body polls, which stalled elections. BC leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP R Krishnaiah, have contested the stay, citing Article 243-D(6) empowering states to fix quotas. They demand constitutional amendment to include BC quota in the Ninth Schedule for legal sanctity.

Notable Updates

Over 135 BC associations and 35 organizations united to call the bandh.

Schools and Osmania University postponed activities; business and transport sectors cooperated.

Peaceful rallies included prominent leaders from political parties and BC bodies.

Bandh’s success extended to rural and urban Telangana, highlighting mass support.

Political leaders urged the Centre for swift action to implement BC reservation.

Major Takeaways

The Telangana BC bandh underscores the persistence of marginalized communities reclaiming rights and justice through democratic protests backed across the political spectrum. The collective pressure pushes the Centre and State governments to find lasting solutions for BC representation in governance structures.

Sources: The New Indian Express; India TV News; The Hans India; Times of India