- Kamareddy Declaration Delayed
- Justice Eshwarayya Seeks Clarity
Article Today, Hyderabad:
The voice of Backward Classes (BC) has grown sharper across the country, questioning political assurances 42% BC Reservation remain unfulfilled after elections. Discontent has intensified in Telangana, where the Congress government faces criticism over delays in implementing commitments made to BC communities.
In this context, Justice Eshwarayya, founder president of the All India Backward Classes Federation and former Chief Justice of the undivided Andhra Pradesh High Court, has written a detailed letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. In an interview with ‘Article Today‘ Digital english newspaper in Telugu States. Justice Eshwarayya explains the reasons behind his intervention and outlines the broader demands of BC communities.
Article Today: Why did you feel it was necessary to write a letter to Rahul Gandhi at this stage?
Justice Eshwarayya: Backward Classes constitute the largest segment of the population, yet political power remains confined to a few. During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi spoke repeatedly about social justice and raised strong expectations among BC communities. However, the assurances he gave and the representations we submitted earlier have not been implemented. Therefore, I felt compelled to remind him of his responsibility and highlight the continuing injustice.
Article Today: BC organisations supported the Congress in elections. What is the core of your disappointment now?
Justice Eshwarayya: BC organisations united behind the Congress with the belief that social justice would follow. That support strengthened the party both in Parliament and in States. However, after assuming power, neither Congress-ruled States nor the national leadership have taken concrete steps to protect BC interests. Meanwhile, delays have eroded trust among backward communities.
Article Today: You are demanding an increase in reservations. Could you explain this position?
Justice Eshwarayya: BCs face discrimination across sectors. Our demand is constitutional and clear. Under Article 342A(3), the BC list must be prepared scientifically. Reservations in education and employment should reflect population share. When a rightful share is denied, it amounts to a violation of the Constitution.
Article Today: Why are you emphasising reservations in the private sector?
Justice Eshwarayya: Public sector employment is shrinking due to rapid privatisation. If social justice remains limited to government jobs alone, BCs will suffer exclusion. In addition, a modern economy demands equal opportunity across sectors. Therefore, reservations must extend to the private sector as well.
Article Today: What reforms do you seek in education and healthcare?
Justice Eshwarayya: Education and healthcare should not become privileges of the wealthy. Every family within the income tax exemption limit should receive quality education and healthcare free of cost. In Telangana, the Right to Education Act of 2009 must be strictly enforced. Corporate schools must allot 25 per cent seats to poor students, as mandated by law, but this is not happening.
Article Today: How should the Centre respond to Telangana’s reservation Bills?
Justice Eshwarayya: The reservation Bills passed by the Telangana government must be placed in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Tamil Nadu has protected its quota through this route. Similarly, Telangana’s 67 per cent reservation needs protection. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi should raise this issue forcefully in Parliament and press the Union government.
Article Today: What is your stand on the creamy layer principle?
Justice Eshwarayya: The creamy layer concept has become a constraint on BC empowerment. It should be abolisshed immediately. In addition, BCs must receive reservations in promotions, similar to provisions available for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Article Today: Why are you concerned about BC representation in the judiciary?
Justice Eshwarayya: Higher judicial positions continue to be dominated by a narrow social group. When diversity is absent on the Bench, social justice suffers. Therefore, appointments to High Courts and the Supreme Court should ensure BC representation in proportion to population.
Article Today: What changes do you seek within political parties themselves?
Justice Eshwarayya: Internal democracy in political parties remains weak. Decision-making power largely rests with upper castes. From organisational posts to ticket distribution, BCs must be represented at every level based on population share.
Article Today: Do you believe BCs need a separate Union Ministry?
Justice Eshwarayya: Yes, without doubt. A dedicated Union Ministry for Backward Classes is essential. It must have constitutional status and independent authority. Only then can focused attention be given to BC welfare.
Article Today: What is your criticism regarding the Kamareddy Declaration in Telangana?
Justice Eshwarayya: During the election campaign, the Congress issued the Kamareddy Declaration with 21 promises to BCs. A key assurance was 42 per cent reservation in local bodies. However, even after two years in power, not a single major promise has been implemented. This is a clear breach of public trust.
Article Today: How should budgetary allocations be structured for BCs?
Justice Eshwarayya: BCs must receive a fair share of national resources. Just as allocations are earmarked for SCs and STs, budgetary provisions should reflect the BC population proportion. This is a right, not charity.
Article Today: Some argue that reservation in promotions affects efficiency. How do you respond?
Justice Eshwarayya: That argument is misleading. Governance suffers when representation is absent, not when inclusion expands. If BCs gain promotions, they will contribute meaningfully to decision-making and strengthen administration.
Article Today: If these demands remain unaddressed, how will BC communities respond?
Justice Eshwarayya: BCs are no longer silent. They now understand that political power is the key to dignity and rights. If governments ignore our demands, there will be consequences. This is not merely a political struggle but a struggle for existence.
Article Today: There is criticism that this movement focuses only on BCs and excludes SCs and STs. What is your response?
Justice Eshwarayya: The Constitution defines backward classes as SCs, STs, and BCs together. Therefore, when we speak of backward classes, we speak of all Bahujan communities. Social justice cannot be divided.
