Should Telangana BJP MPs Resign Over 42% BC Reservation?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Telangana's Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has demanded the resignation of BJP MPs to push for the inclusion of 42% BC reservation laws in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. This controversy highlights the ongoing struggle for BC rights and could reshape the political landscape in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Ponnam Prabhakar demands BJP MPs' resignation for BC reservation.
- The Ninth Schedule is critical for protecting state laws from judicial review.
- Telangana Assembly has passed Bills for 42% BC reservation.
- Political tensions are rising over BC rights in Telangana.
- The BJP claims commitment to BC communities amid criticisms.
Hyderabad, July 22 (NationPress) Telangana's Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, Ponnam Prabhakar, has called for the resignation of BJP MPs from the state to compel the Centre to incorporate the 42 percent BC reservation laws into the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
He emphasized that enhancing the 42 percent quota for BCs is achievable and urged BJP MPs from Telangana to resign as a means of increasing pressure on the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
During a media briefing, he criticized state BJP president N. Ramchander Rao for his claims that including the 42 percent BC reservation in the Ninth Schedule is unfeasible.
"Mr. Ramchander Rao has revealed his true intentions by asserting that adding BC reservation to the Ninth Schedule is not possible," said Prabhakar.
The minister pointed out how the Tamil Nadu Assembly successfully included laws that increased total reservation beyond 50 percent in the Ninth Schedule.
Earlier this year in March, the Telangana Assembly passed two Bills aimed at raising BC reservation to 42 percent in education, employment, and local bodies, which have since been forwarded to the Centre for Presidential assent.
Prabhakar insisted that the Centre must act promptly to increase the BC quota.
He argued that the state's BC reservation enhancement is based on factual data and a caste census, with the Bills receiving approval from the Cabinet, the Assembly, and the Governor. "If any injustice is inflicted upon BCs, we will not stay silent," he asserted.
In response, Ramchander Rao took to social media platform 'X', claiming that the Congress government lacks clarity regarding the commitment to BC reservations. He stated that while Congress makes promises, it fails to follow through with implementation.
"This policy undermines the dignity of BC communities. Only the BJP is genuinely dedicated to protecting BC rights, making practical decisions under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he asserted.
In a separate appearance in Delhi, Ramchander Rao criticized the Telangana government for not consulting legal experts before sending the BC reservation Bills to the Centre.
He stated that without judicial review, such issues cannot be added to the Ninth Schedule, referencing the Supreme Court's clarifications in the Kesavananda Bharati and I. R. Coelho cases, which confirmed that laws in the Ninth Schedule could still undergo judicial scrutiny.
Ramchander Rao noted that the matter concerning reservations in Tamil Nadu is still pending before the Supreme Court.
He urged Congress to implement the 42 percent BC reservation without tying it to the Ninth Schedule, alleging that the party's insincerity in conducting local body elections has led to demands for inclusion in the Ninth Schedule.
Point of View
We observe that the demand for inclusion of the 42% BC reservation laws in the Ninth Schedule reflects the growing tension between state and central politics. The need for representation and justice for Backward Classes remains a significant issue that must be addressed with sensitivity and urgency, highlighting the importance of public discourse in a democratic society.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 42% BC reservation?
The 42% BC reservation is aimed at providing equitable opportunities in education, employment, and local governance for Backward Classes in Telangana, ensuring their representation and support.
Why is the Ninth Schedule important?
The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution allows certain laws to be protected from judicial review, making it crucial for states seeking to implement specific reservations and rights.
What was the response from BJP leaders?
BJP leaders, including N. Ramchander Rao, criticized the Telangana government for its handling of the BC reservation Bills, emphasizing the need for legal clarity and judicial review.
How has the Telangana government approached BC reservations?
The Telangana government has passed Bills to increase BC reservation based on empirical data and a caste census, aiming to enhance opportunities for marginalized communities.
What are the implications of this political demand?
This demand for BJP MPs' resignation could escalate tensions between state and central governance, influencing political strategies and public sentiment towards BC rights.
