BRS MLC Kavitha announces Maha Dharna on Jan 3 over BC reservation issue

The protest aims to demand the implementation of the Kamareddy BC Declaration and the promise of 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections, as assured by the Congress during the Assembly elections last year

Hyderabad: BRS MLC K Kavitha has announced a Maha Dharna at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad, on January 3, coinciding with the birth anniversary of social reformer Savitribai Phule.

The protest aims to demand the implementation of the Kamareddy BC Declaration and the promise of 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections, as assured by the Congress during the Assembly elections last year.

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Addressing the media after a meeting with over 40 BC organisations at her residence on Friday, Kavitha criticised the Congress government for its failure to deliver on its promises.

“The Kamareddy BC Declaration clearly stated that 42 percent reservation would be given to BCs in local body elections. However, no clarity has been provided on this commitment till date,” she said.

The BRS MLC raised doubts about the Congress party’s calculations over BC population in Telangana, pointing out that BCs constitute more than half of the population. “How did the Congress arrive at the figure of 42 percent? If elections are held without fulfilling this promise, there will be severe repercussions,” she warned.

Demanding the deferment of local body elections until the BC Dedicated Commission report is released, Kavitha stressed the need for a caste census at the national level. She also charged the BJP-led Central government with failing to conduct a caste census, which would provide clarity on BC representation.

The MLC criticised the Congress government for reneging on its promise to allocate an annual budget of Rs 20,000 crore for BC welfare. She called for Statewide protests at mandal and district headquatrers, if the reservation demand is not met.

“The fight for BC rights will continue until justice is served. Elections cannot be held without increasing reservation,” she declared.

On the occasion, the participants observed two minutes of silence as a mark of respect and tribute to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who passed away on Thursday night.