BC activist’s death sparks mass unrest across Hyderabad

Sai Eshwar, a 32-year-old BC activist and cab driver, died after self-immolation protesting the Congress government’s failure to implement 42% BC reservation. His death triggered mass protests, arrests of leaders, and demands for ex-gratia support to the family

Hyderabad: The death of 32-year-old Backward Classes activist and cab driver Sai Eshwar Chary, who set himself ablaze on December 4 in protest against the Congress government’s failure to implement 42 per cent BC reservations, has triggered widespread outrage, large-scale protests, and the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators, including prominent BC leaders.

Sai Eshwar Chary, a resident of Pocharam village in Andole Assembly constituency of Sangareddy district, had migrated to Hyderabad in search of livelihood. He drove a cab for a living and left behind his wife Kavitha (30), two young daughters – Krithika (6) and Saichitti (1) – and a four-year-old son Saidatta.

Friends and family members describe him as an advocate for BC rights who was heartbroken by what he saw as a betrayal of pre-election promises made by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

To quell the protesting mobs, police resorted to mild force and carried out mass arrests. Among those detained were BC Joint Action Committee (JAC) State chairman Jajula Srinivasa Goud and MLC Chintapandu Naveen. Many of the protesters were shifted to multiple police stations across the city, including Trimulgherry, Karkhana, Ramgopalpet, Chilkalguda, Bollaram, Amberpet, and Uppal.

Jajula Srinivasa Goud issued a video message calling the death of Sai Eshwar a “murder by the State and Central governments” and gave a statewide call for protests on Saturday. He demanded immediate suspension of ongoing sarpanch elections until 42% BC reservation is implemented.

They wanted a Parliament debate on Sai Eshwar’s death in the current Winter Session and passage of the BC reservation enhancement Bill. The protesters also demanded Rs 1 crore ex-gratia to the bereaved family and resignation of BC leaders serving in Congress and BJP.

BRS leaders Talasani Srinivas Yadav, KP Vivekananda Goud and Madhusudana Chary paid tributes to the mortal remains. Talasani Srinivas Yadav appealed to BC youth not to resort to extreme steps and stressed that reservations must be achieved through united, sustained struggle rather than suicide.

Family demands last rites in native village

The bereaved family has urged that Sai Eshwar’s last rites be performed in his native Pocharam village as per their customs. However, there were reports that officials had planned funeral arrangements in Hyderabad itself, leading to further anger among activists who decried what they called an “insensitive” act by the government.