Speakers call for collective resistance to political conspiracies against BCs
The petitions filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Telangana Government’s decision to enhance reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections were “politically motivated attempts to derail social justice,” speakers observed at a round-table discussion held here on Sunday.
Welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the petitions, National BC Dal president Dundra Kumaraswamy described it as a “positive sign” in the ongoing struggle for BC empowerment.
The discussion, organised by the Samajika Telangana Intellectual Forum at the Somajiguda Press Club, focused on the theme “BC Reservations – Government Policy – Social Implications.” Among those who participated were Prof. Thirumalay, Prof. Muralikrishna, Prof. Sammayya, Justice Chandrakumar, and Mr. Kumaraswamy.
Mr. Kumaraswamy said the petitions filed in the Supreme Court were not mere legal actions but part of a “concerted political conspiracy to block the legitimate aspirations of BCs.” He asserted that the court’s decision to strike them down reaffirmed the constitutional validity of the Telangana Government’s decision.
“Backward Classes have remained socially, economically and politically marginalised for decades. The history of Telangana itself is intertwined with their struggle for equality,” he remarked.
Criticising what he termed “anti-reservation forces,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said such groups had resurfaced soon after the State decided to increase BC reservations in local bodies from 25 per cent to 42 per cent through G.O. No. 9. “Those who once hesitated to even discuss BC reservations are now knocking on the doors of the courts. It is shameful and politically motivated,” he said.
While acknowledging that challenging the G.O. in the High Court or Supreme Court is a constitutional right, he maintained that the intent behind such petitions was purely political. “The G.O. was issued within the framework of constitutional provisions under Articles 243D(6) and 243T(6) of the Panchayati Raj Act,” he noted.
“In a State where BCs constitute around 52 per cent of the population, restricting their reservation to just 25 per cent is unjustifiable. Attempts are being made to mislead the public and undermine constitutional equity,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said, urging political parties and civil society to act collectively to safeguard the rights of backward communities.
He cautioned against sacrificing BC reservations at the altar of political opportunism. “The fight for social justice should not be reduced to a tool for short-term political gain,” he said.
