Why Are Telangana CM and Ministers Waiting for a Meeting with the President Regarding BC Reservation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Telangana Congress leaders are demanding Presidential assent for BC reservation Bills.
- The proposed reservation is set at 42 percent, exceeding the 50 percent cap.
- Protests are ongoing at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
- The Congress party emphasizes social justice for the Backward Classes.
- Future strategies will be discussed with key party leaders.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) Leaders from Telangana's Congress party, headed by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, have been protesting in New Delhi for the third consecutive day, urging Presidential approval for two legislative Bills that aim to secure 42 percent reservation for the Backward Classes.
The Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers, MPs, and MLAs, organized a dharna at Jantar Mantar, seeking a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. However, they have yet to receive any response from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
During a media interaction on Wednesday, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his frustration regarding the lack of feedback on their request for an audience with the President. He suspects that the BJP-led NDA government may be exerting pressure on the President to deny them an appointment.
Reddy pointed to recent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah with the President, suggesting they may be influencing the appointment process. He intends to meet with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi to update them on the ongoing protests.
The Chief Minister is expected to outline the Congress party's future strategy regarding the 42 percent BC reservation. In March, the Telangana Assembly passed two Bills to raise BC reservation in education, employment, and local bodies, which were subsequently sent to the President for approval. This adjustment would surpass the 50 percent cap on overall reservations.
During the dharna, the Chief Minister and his Cabinet members emphasized the importance of approving these Bills to ensure justice for the BC community. They highlighted that the Bills were formulated based on data gathered during the state's caste survey.
Revanth Reddy stated that the Congress party has called for a 'Chalo Delhi' initiative to rally support from various factions, reaffirming their commitment to securing 42 percent reservation. He confidently declared that in the 2029 elections, they aim to prevent the BJP from winning more than 150 seats, pledging to defeat Narendra Modi and support Rahul Gandhi for Prime Minister. He made this vow with Jantar Mantar as a witness.
Meanwhile, Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar stated on Thursday that the Congress will persist in its battle for BC reservation. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he expressed optimism that their efforts would succeed through a Gandhian approach.
Prabhakar also predicted a defeat for the BJP in the upcoming elections concerning the BC reservation matter, criticizing Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy for opposing BC reservation under the pretext of Muslim interests.