Would the BJP have Abolished Reservation with 400 Seats?
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Synopsis
In a bold statement, Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy warns that had the BJP secured 400 Lok Sabha seats, the party would have eliminated reservation and modified the Constitution. This assertion highlights the current political climate and the importance of public awareness in shaping government policies.
Key Takeaways
- Revanth Reddy’s warning about BJP’s intentions.
- Importance of public awareness in politics.
- The shifting political landscape regarding caste census.
- Historical opposition of BJP to caste census.
- Supreme Court’s stance on reservation data.
Hyderabad, May 1 (NationPress) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy asserted on Thursday that had the BJP achieved 400 Lok Sabha seats, it would have eliminated reservation and altered the Constitution.
He emphasized that the opposition parties and the public effectively thwarted the BJP’s ambitions by restricting it to 240 seats.
During a press briefing, he noted that if the BJP had won 400 seats, it would not have opted to carry out a caste census.
He further contended that the Narendra Modi administration was politically obliged to initiate a caste census alongside the forthcoming population census.
“Thanks to our awareness campaigns, the public denied the BJP a majority, confining it to 240 seats. Unable to proceed with its agenda and to safeguard the coalition government, the BJP consented to conduct a caste census,” he stated.
The Congress leader highlighted that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and others within the coalition government in the election-bound state were advocating for a caste census.
“Until recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP opposed the caste census. (Defence Minister) Rajnath Singh publicly declared this. They submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court stating they would not pursue a caste census. Why the sudden shift? It’s because we mobilized public opinion and they were denied a majority,” he remarked.
He claimed that the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been beneficial for the populace. “Due to our pressure, the Central government has stepped forward to execute a caste census,” he added.
Revanth Reddy asserted that PM Modi acknowledged Telangana as a leading state in conducting the caste census. “Since Narendra Modi is emulating my approach, the local BJP leaders are experiencing envy,” he commented.
The Chief Minister also noted that the Prime Minister's acceptance of a suggestion from the Leader of Opposition is a positive sign for the country. He pointed out that Rahul Gandhi commended the Center for its decision.
In response to a question, he stated that the Supreme Court did not impose a 50 percent cap on reservation but merely indicated that there should be adequate data to support an increase in the quota.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe that the political discourse surrounding reservation and caste census remains highly sensitive. Revanth Reddy's claims reflect a broader concern about the balance of power and representation in India. The recent developments emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
NationPress
01/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy say about the BJP?
He claimed that if the BJP had won 400 Lok Sabha seats, it would have eliminated reservation and changed the Constitution.
Why did Revanth Reddy believe the BJP was forced to conduct a caste census?
He asserted that public awareness campaigns prevented the BJP from gaining a majority and compelled them to consider a caste census.
What was the BJP's prior stance on the caste census?
The BJP and Prime Minister Modi previously opposed the caste census, with Rajnath Singh stating this publicly.
How did the Bharat Jodo Yatra influence this situation?
Revanth Reddy credited the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi for pressuring the Central government to conduct a caste census.
What does the Supreme Court say about reservation caps?
The Supreme Court has not imposed a 50 percent cap on reservation but indicated that proper data is needed for enhancing quotas.
