PNS|Hyderabad
National BC Welfare Association president and Rajya Sabha MP R Krishnaiah demanded that BC reservations be increased to 42%. He criticised Panchayati Raj Minister Seethakka for not mentioning BC reservations while announcing local body elections.
In a meeting on Thursday, Krishnaiah pointed out that elections were delayed for over an year due to the BC reservation issue, which is still unresolved. “How can elections be held without addressing it?” he asked, warning the government not to proceed without a solution.
Krishnaiah warned of strong protests if the reservation percentage is not raised. He threatened a hunger strike with 1,000 people and said ministers and MLAs would be stopped from moving freely.
He stated that although BC reservations were announced to be increased from 20% to 40%, no government order has been issued.
While it was said the proposal would be sent to the Centre after passing it in the Assembly, nothing has happened.
Krishnaiah explained that under Article 243-D6, State governments have the power to increase BC reservations in local bodies.
The Assembly passed the law, and the 50% reservation cap has been lifted in some cases by the Supreme Court. He noted there will be no legal or constitutional hurdles.
He demanded the elections be cancelled until the issue is resolved and also called for a constitutional amendment to allow BC reservations in jobs and education, similar to that in Tamil Nadu.
