Shops shut, transport hit during Telangana bandh for backward classes reservation

The BJP’s state unit too protested Saturday, accusing the Congress of not fulfilling its Kamareddy declaration on providing reservation for BCs.

The Supreme Court had earlier refused to interfere in the stay on 42 percent reservation for BCs issued by the High Court.

In the state, RTC services were suspended and buses remained in depots, with major trade unions supporting the bandh call. Shops, business establishments, and educational institutions remained closed. Commuters travelling between districts for Diwali were affected by the lack of public transport and were stranded at bus stands in major cities, including Hyderabad.

Leaders of the Congress, BJP, BRS, Telangana Jagruthi, and the BC Joint Action Committee were part of rallies and sit-ins held in Hyderabad, Warangal, Khammam, and other district headquarters. Telangana ministers and BC leaders, including Ponnam Prabhakar, Vakkati Sreenivas, Seethakka, and others, joined protest demonstrations. Leaders of the BRS, including Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Gangula Kamalakar, and Srinivas Goud, too, were seen participating in protests.

The state government, which had earlier passed the BC Reservation Bill in the Assembly, has maintained that the Bill has been pending with the Governor and the President since March 30. Ministers pointed out that the delay in the Centre’s approval has stalled its implementation, hit the flow of Central funds, and affected local body elections.

BC organisations led by BJP leader R Krishnaiah demanded that the Union Government act without delay, approve the Bill, and include it under the Ninth Schedule to ensure constitutional protection.