Article Today, New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is reportedly disheartened after senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, skipped a key protest in Delhi demanding 42% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs). The protest, held at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, was projected as a major political statement by the Telangana Congress. However, the absence of national leaders cast a shadow over the event.
Expectations vs. Reality: Party circles had earlier claimed that Rahul Gandhi or Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would attend the protest. But neither turned up, nor did other top faces like Priyanka Gandhi. Their absence raised eyebrows within the party’s Telangana unit. Ministers, MLAs, and workers who participated in the dharna expressed disappointment, feeling let down by the high command.
Mixed Signals to the Public: Leaders within the Telangana Congress say the silence from Delhi may send the wrong signals to the public. Revanth Reddy has often highlighted that the BC reservation policy stems from Rahul Gandhi’s own vision. Yet, his absence has triggered internal debates on whether the national leadership truly supports the issue. Party members worry this could affect their credibility.
Is the Congress Truly Committed to BCs?Political observers now question the Congress party’s intent. While the Telangana government passed a resolution in the Assembly to raise BC reservations to 42% and forwarded it to the President, it’s well-known that central approval isn’t automatic. Revanth Reddy sought to amplify the issue at the national level through the Delhi protest, aiming to gain both community support and political mileage.
Reservations Still a Distant Dream
Despite the state’s decision, legal and constitutional hurdles remain. Analysts point out that the central government is unlikely to approve such a steep increase in reservations without a detailed review. In this light, questions remain whether the BC communities will continue to back Congress if promises remain unfulfilled.
Revanth Attacks Modi Government
At the protest, Revanth Reddy launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He accused the BJP of blocking BC reservation bills and doing injustice to weaker sections. “Why does Gujarat feel threatened if Telangana offers justice to its BCs?” he asked. He claimed that 100 MPs and parties from the INDIA bloc extended support to the dharna.
“Remove Modi, Make Rahul PM”: Revanth’s Bold Call
Revanth didn’t stop at criticism. He openly called for Modi’s removal from power and declared that Rahul Gandhi would implement BC reservations if made Prime Minister. “Who gave you the right to reject our demands?” he questioned, alleging that the BJP is anti-poor and anti-reservation.
Opposition Calls Protest a Flop
Former Minister T. Harish Rao from BRS slammed the Delhi protest, calling it a “total flop show.” He questioned why Rahul Gandhi failed to attend despite being in the vicinity. Rao alleged that even Congress leaders do not trust the promise of 42% reservation and accused Revanth of staging a political drama. “Neither Telangana people nor your high command believe your words,” he said.
Public Trust Now at Stake
The protest’s success or failure will likely influence the Congress party’s reach among BC communities in Telangana and beyond. With national leaders absent and opposition criticism mounting, the Telangana Congress now faces the challenge of regaining lost trust while continuing its pitch for social justice.
