Telangana Backward Classes reservation protest turns into statewide bandh
What's the story
Normal life in Telangana was disrupted on Saturday due to a bandh called by Backward Classes (BC) organizations. The strike was called after the High Court stayed a government order granting 42% reservation for BCs in local bodies. The Supreme Court also refused to intervene in the matter. The bandh had the support of major political parties, including the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the ruling Congress regime, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Transport disruption
Diwali travelers stranded as RTC busses stay off roads
Public transport was severely hit as Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) buses stayed off the roads. The move came after political leaders and unions appealed to keep public transportation shut. Commuters hoping to travel for Diwali were left stranded at bus stands across the state. Shops and business establishments also remained shut as organizers requested all sectors, except emergency services, to participate in the bandh.
Protest participation
Political leaders join protests across Hyderabad, other key locations
Political leaders from Congress, BRS, and BJP joined protests across Hyderabad and other key locations. Congress ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Vakiti Srihari, Seethakka, Konda Surekha, and MP Anil Yadav participated in demonstrations in Hyderabad. BRS leaders and former ministers also joined rallies demanding a 42% quota. BJP's Etala Rajender was seen participating at the Jubilee Bus Station.
Criticism voiced
Kavitha slams government's handling of issue
Telangana Jagruthi founder Kalvakuntla Kavitha slammed the government's handling of the reservation issue. She said, "Whether it is the Congress party or the BJP, stop misleading the BCs." Minister Vakiti Srihari reiterated Congress's commitment to BC reservations. He said, "For 42% reservation, the Congress government was committed, is committed, and will remain committed."
Bandh impact
What is the protest all about?
Minister Danasari Seethakka called the bandh a collective effort by BCs to demand their rightful reservation. She said, "This bandh was called by all the BCs in Telangana demanding the 42% reservation." The protest was triggered by a Telangana High Court order on October 9 staying government orders for a 42% BC reservation in local body elections.