BC leaders slam Telangana HC stay on OBC quota, warn of agitation
Hyderabad: In a dramatic escalation of the legal battle over OBC reservation, leaders from 14 Backward Class (BC) associations staged a protest at the Telangana High Court on Thrusday, condemning the interim stay on the 42% quota in local body elections as a ‘grab for BCs’ mouths’ and an ‘insult’ to the community.
The protest was led by prominent BC leader R. Krishnaiah, who addressed the media following the court’s decision to stay the implementation of the quota and postpone elections for four weeks.
A Setback for Political Representation
The leaders articulated that the court’s stay order impacts a constitutional right to political representation at a crucial juncture. Krishnaiah questioned the timing of the decision, noting that the election notification had already been issued and many candidates had filed nominations, creating administrative confusion.
BC leaders noted that the case was heard over four days and that the court had twice declined to grant a stay previously. Krishnaiah expressed concern over the decision, given the extended arguments. They also pointed out that, despite 30 BC associations filing implead petitions, the stay was granted.
Call for Political Solidarity
It is pertinent to note that the Telangana High Court has issued an interim order halting the state government’s implementation of a 42% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local body elections. The court granted temporary relief to the petitioners by ordering an immediate stay on the 42% OBC quota. The State Government has four weeks to submit a detailed counter-affidavit, after which the petitioners have two weeks to file their rejoinder. The court approved all the implead applications.
After the court’s order, BC leaders called for political solidarity and urged all parties to support the community. They also discussed the need for broader representation and highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives within the judiciary.
The protest drew a broad coalition of BC association leaders, such as Gujja Krishna, Gujja Satyam, Neela Venkatesh, and Allampalli Ramakoti, underscoring a united front from the community in the face of this legal blow.
The Telangana High Court has issued an interim order halting the state government’s implementation of the 42% OBC quota. The State Government has four weeks to submit a detailed counter-affidavit, after which the petitioners have two weeks to file their rejoinder. The court approved all the implead applications.
