The demand for 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in Telangana has intensified, with BRS MLC and Telangana Jagruthi President K. Kavitha confirming a statewide Rail Roko protest on July 17. The protest, jointly organized by Telangana Jagruthi and the United Phule Front, received full support from National BC Welfare Association President and MP R. Krishnaiah. The announcement came after Kavitha met Krishnaiah at his residence in Vidyanagar on Sunday, urging his support to pressure the Centre to approve the bills already passed by the state assembly for BC reservations in local bodies. Responding positively, Krishnaiah extended support to the protest and urged BCs to actively participate in the agitation.
Speaking at the meeting, Kavitha criticized the Congress government for failing to implement the Kamareddy BC Declaration despite passing two bills in the Assembly aimed at providing 42% reservations in local bodies. She accused the state of shirking its constitutional responsibility under Article 243(D) by not issuing a government order and instead blaming the Centre. MP R. Krishnaiah echoed her sentiments, asserting that the power to implement such reservations rests with the state and warned that conducting local body elections without enhancing BC quotas would be a betrayal. He demanded that the Telangana government issue a G.O. immediately and warned of a large-scale agitation if the demand is not met.