Sharp Decline in BC Reservations Sparks Political Controversy
At a crucial time when Backward Classes leaders are vigorously campaigning for implementation of 42% reservations in local bodies, the community has received a disappointing state average of only 17% seats for sarpanch positions in the upcoming local bodies elections across Telangana.
The reservation data reveals extreme disparities between districts, with some regions recording single-digit percentages while others managed to secure double digits. The maximum reservation for BCs reached 27% in Jogulamba Gadwal district, highlighting the uneven distribution of political opportunities for the community.
District-wise Reservation Breakdown Shows Stark Contrasts
According to the comprehensive data released by Telangana State Election Commission (TGSEC), out of the 12,735 gram panchayats across 32 districts participating in the local bodies polls, merely 2,176 panchayats have been reserved for Backward Classes.
The situation appears particularly grim in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, which has no reserved seats for BCs whatsoever. Other districts fared only marginally better, with Mulugu allocating 3.4%, Adilabad 4.8%, and Mancherial 7.8% seats for the community.
On the positive side, Jogulamba Gadwal district emerged as the leader with 27% reservations for BCs, closely followed by Karimnagar, Siddipet, Narayanpet, and Peddapalli districts at 26% each. Jagityal district also performed relatively well with 25% reservation for Backward Classes.
Former BC Commission Chairman Explains the Decline
Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao, the former chairman of BC Commission, revealed that the current average reservation of 17% marks a significant reduction from the 23% allocation during the 2019 local bodies polls.
Rao attributed this decline to multiple factors, explaining that in districts with substantial ST and SC populations such as Mulugu and Adilabad, the majority of seats are allocated to these communities. He particularly noted that Kothagudem district has no seats reserved for BCs at all.
"The other reason is, as per the Constitution, STs and SCs should be given 100% seats, and later comes BCs in vertical reservations. The BC population in rural areas is dwindling due to migration to urban areas," the former chairman elaborated.
Political Blame Game Intensifies Over Reservation Issue
The reservation figures have triggered a political storm, with BRS working president KT Rama Rao launching a sharp attack on the Congress party. Speaking to media in Warangal on Wednesday, KTR accused Congress of cheating Backward Classes after boasting about providing 42% reservations.
"The BRS government earlier gave 24%, which is further reduced. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should react to this," KTR demanded vehemently.
The BRS leader insisted that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi must seek an apology from the BC community for making promises they failed to fulfill. He also raised questions about how Congress would deliver on its promise of allocating 42% party seats to BCs, especially when sarpanch elections are conducted on a non-symbol basis.
The widening gap between political promises and actual implementation has left Backward Classes communities disillusioned, setting the stage for increased political tensions as local body elections approach in Telangana.
