Hyderabad, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Road Transport Corporation buses ceased operations throughout Telangana, with the majority of shops, businesses, and schools closed on Saturday due to a state-wide bandh initiated by the Backward Classes JAC, which garnered support from all political factions, resulting in a near-complete response. The bandh, organized by the Joint Action Committee comprising 136 Backward Classes associations advocating for 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs), significantly disrupted daily life in Hyderabad and other regions.

Buses from the state-owned Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) remained parked in depots as leaders from Backward Class groups and political entities conducted protests outside these depots.

This suspension of transportation services caused immense inconvenience to residents in and near Hyderabad and other districts, particularly ahead of the Diwali festivities.

The JAC, led by Rajya Sabha member R. Krishnaiah, has called upon all communities, caste groups, and political parties to back the shutdown.

Krishnaiah, affiliated with the BJP, described the bandh as non-political, aimed at seeking justice for the BCs.

Emergency services, including hospitals and ambulances, were exempted from the bandh's restrictions.

While private educational institutions declared a holiday, government schools and colleges also remained closed.

Government offices operated as usual, though employees from Backward Class communities wore black badges to signify solidarity.

In a rare demonstration of unity, all political parties, including the ruling Congress and opposition BRS and BJP, expressed their support for the shutdown.

Ministers and MLAs from the ruling party actively participated in protests across various regions of the state.

Key bus terminals, including Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) and Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) in the state capital, were largely deserted, with passengers waiting for buses.

Leaders from the Backward Class JAC protested near MGBS and JBS, engaging in games and singing songs. BJP MP Eatala Rajender and other party leaders joined the protest near JBS.

Konda Surekha, the Minister for Endowments and Forests, participated in protests at Rathifiel Bus Stop in Secunderabad. She noted that the Assembly had passed legislation for Backward Class reservation, yet the Governor had not granted approval. She accused the BJP of being insincere regarding Backward Class reservations and of perpetrating injustice against them through legal actions.

K. Kavitha, a leader of Telangana Jagruthi, led a protest at Khairatabad junction, highlighting the irony of parties that should advocate for Backward Classes participating in the bandh.

Extensive security measures were implemented statewide to avert any violence. Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy warned of strict consequences for any violent behavior.

On October 9, the Telangana High Court issued an interim stay on a Government Order (GO) that granted 42% reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies. The Supreme Court declined to entertain the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the state government, asserting it could not interfere with the matter presently before the High Court.