NEW DELHI: Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy on Wednesday led a massive dharna at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding President Droupadi Murmu ’s assent to the bills for reservation to Backward Classes (BCs) in the southern state.
Addressing the protest, Reddy alleged that the BJP-led central government was "deliberately" delaying the approval process, and warned the saffron party that it would be viewed as "anti-backward class" if the President’s nod was not granted.
"During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi promised the people of Telangana that after forming the government, we would conduct a caste census and ensure 42 per cent reservation for OBCs. Based on this promise, the people voted us to power," the Congress leader told reporters.
He said the state government had fulfilled its commitment, but the bills — sent to the President by the Telangana governor — had been pending for over four months without any response.
Reddy accused the Centre of being “indifferent” to Telangana's repeated pleas. "That is why we have decided to protest — on the streets and in Parliament — to demand an increase in BC reservation and ensure its implementation," he stated.
He added that all Congress leaders and INDIA bloc parties in Telangana were "united" on the issue.
"We have even sought an appointment with the President of India, but there has been no response. If the bill is not granted assent, it will be clear that the BJP is against backward castes," he said, adding that his entire Cabinet had requested a meeting with President Murmu.
Under the proposed legislation, the 42 per cent reservation for OBCs would be in the education and employment sectors, and local body elections.
Addressing the protest, Reddy alleged that the BJP-led central government was "deliberately" delaying the approval process, and warned the saffron party that it would be viewed as "anti-backward class" if the President’s nod was not granted.
"During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi promised the people of Telangana that after forming the government, we would conduct a caste census and ensure 42 per cent reservation for OBCs. Based on this promise, the people voted us to power," the Congress leader told reporters.
He said the state government had fulfilled its commitment, but the bills — sent to the President by the Telangana governor — had been pending for over four months without any response.
Reddy accused the Centre of being “indifferent” to Telangana's repeated pleas. "That is why we have decided to protest — on the streets and in Parliament — to demand an increase in BC reservation and ensure its implementation," he stated.
He added that all Congress leaders and INDIA bloc parties in Telangana were "united" on the issue.
"We have even sought an appointment with the President of India, but there has been no response. If the bill is not granted assent, it will be clear that the BJP is against backward castes," he said, adding that his entire Cabinet had requested a meeting with President Murmu.
Under the proposed legislation, the 42 per cent reservation for OBCs would be in the education and employment sectors, and local body elections.
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