BC Ikya Vedika calls state bandh today for fair reservation share
HYDERABAD: The BC Ikya Vedika has called for a state-wide bandh on Saturday demanding a fair share for Backward Classes (BCs) in reservations. The organisation urged people across Telangana to observe the shutdown, exempting only essential services.
Leaders said the bandh has received support from the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), CPI(ML) New Democracy and Maoist parties. Several social, student, tribal, and minority organisations also backed the call. Intellectuals expressed solidarity.
The BC Ikya Vedika announced that protesters would block RTC buses, hold dharnas at depots, and organise demonstrations at toll plazas and national highways. Traders, petrol bunk owners and business establishments were urged to keep their outlets closed. Citizens were requested to postpone travel plans.
BC leaders said the bandh would be conducted peacefully to ensure that the voice of BCs reaches New Delhi. Educational institutions and commercial establishments have been asked to remain closed. Ambulances, hospitals, and other emergency services have been exempted.
Ikya Vedika working chairman Jajula Srinivas Goud appealed to BC intellectuals, students, youth, employees, lawyers and teachers to join the protests. Some educational institutions declared a holiday in advance.
R Krishnaiah urges cooperation from public
BC Ikya Vedika chairman and Rajya Sabha member R Krishnaiah said, “The bandh is not against anyone. It is a protest against the hurdles in the path of BC aspirations.” He appealed to educational, commercial and business institutions to cooperate for the bandh’s peaceful success.
“Except for medical shops, all establishments should remain closed,” Krishnaiah said, urging police officials to cooperate. The bandh will be observed from 4 am to 5 pm, he added at a meeting held at Desoddharaka Bhavan, Basheerbagh, presided over by vice-chairman VGR Naragoni and convener Gujja Krishna.
CPI slams BJP over BC reservation stance
CPI state secretary John Wesley led a rally from Khairatabad Metro Station to Raj Bhavan on Friday, demanding that the Governor recommend 42% reservations for BCs in local body elections. Police stopped the march near Metro Residency and allowed a few representatives into Raj Bhavan. When others were denied entry, they staged a sit-in, leading to mild tension.
A woman constable sustained injuries during the scuffle and was shifted to hospital. Police detained the protesters soon after. Wesley accused the BJP of “playing a double game” supporting BC reservation in the state while blocking it at the Centre. CPI leaders Julakanti Ranga Reddy, S Veerayya, and T Jyothi also addressed the rally.
