Revanth Reddy blames Centre for BC quota delay, hints at three options for panchayat polls

CM Revanth Reddy blamed the Centre for delaying 42% BC reservations, saying Telangana had completed its responsibilities. He outlined three legal and political options, including issuing a GO or waiting for the President’s assent, and assured continued commitment to BC welfare.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy blamed the BJP-led Union government for the delay in implementing 42 percent reservations for Backward Classes (BCs), asserting that the State had fulfilled its responsibility and would now take a decision in line with public sentiment.

Speaking informally with media persons in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said a PAC meeting would be convened shortly in light of the High Court’s direction to hold gram panchayat elections and declare results by September 30.

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He pointed out that central funds to panchayats had already been stalled due to the delay in elections, and said the upcoming PAC meeting would assess the ground situation in villages.

Revanth Reddy maintained that the Congress party’s commitment to implementing 42 percent BC reservations was unquestionable. “If there is no response from the President on the issue, the State government will consider alternative options,” he said.

The Chief Minister outlined three options before the government. First, to wait for the Centre’s approval of the Bills; second, to issue a Government Order (GO) and conduct the elections; and third, to extend 42 percent political party-wise reservations to BCs.

However, he cautioned that issuing a GO could be legally challenged if someone moved the court.

Responding to criticism from opposition parties, the Chief Minister said the Congress protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday was a grand success. He also dismissed criticism over Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the protest, clarifying that the Leader of Opposition had gone to console the family of former Chief Minister late Shibu Soren.