Article Today, Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly has passed two key Bills to ensure 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in education, employment, and local bodies. However, political observers doubt if the Centre will approve these Bills. The state government has already sent them for assent. Yet, many leaders believe that the BJP-led Centre may not support such a move.
Political Show, Not Real Commitment?
Bahujan voices argue that the reservation proposal may turn into a political drama. They accuse upper-caste-dominated parties of using BC issues to gain votes without genuine intent. Some leaders also question why a few BC representatives continue to trust those who have repeatedly failed them. They argue that social justice cannot be achieved under leadership that disguards Ambedkarite values.
CM Revanth’s Push in Delhi
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy recently visited Delhi to lobby for the Centre’s consent on the reservation Bills. In his media interactions, he stated that the state had fulfilled its responsibility by passing the Bills in the Assembly. Now, he said, the Centre must give them legal sanction. His efforts have gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the state’s move to protect BC rights.
Centre’s Delay Invites Criticism
CM Revanth criticised the Union government for delaying the approval. He pointed out that the Telangana High Court has directed the state to finalise reservations within 30 days and conduct local body elections in 90 days. He expressed concern that the Centre’s silence could undermine these deadlines.
Call for Opposition Unity
Revanth also said he would seek support from the INDIA bloc to pressurise the Centre. He plans to meet alliance leaders and explain the urgency of the matter. According to him, only coordinated political action can move the Bills forward. He stressed that this issue is not limited to Telangana but concerns all backward sections in the country.
Bahujan Anger Against Upper-Caste Politics
Many Bahujan thinkers and activists remain sceptical. They argue that true empowerment of backward sections will come only through Bahujan leadership. Relying on upper-caste leaders, they say, is a betrayal of Ambedkarite principles. Several allege that some BC leaders have sidelined core ideological values and aligned themselves with forces that never supported reservations in spirit.
Reservation Without Power is Hollow
At the heart of the debate is a larger question—are reservations meaningful if they remain on paper? Without political will at both the state and central levels, many fear the proposal could end up as a symbolic gesture. The battle, many say, is not just for policy but for a shift in who holds real power within the system.
