BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) has accused the Telangana Congress government of systematically deceiving the Backward Classes (BC) community. At a recent meeting, he alleged that the flawed caste census, proposed ordinance, and insincere policy maneuvers demonstrate political theater, not genuine intent. This article examines the allegations, political counterclaims, legal implications, and the growing demands for enforceable BC quotas in local bodies.
Deception or Deliberation? KTR Accuses Congress of Betraying Backward Classes Over 42% Reservation Promise
In a sharply worded charge yesterday, BRS working president KTR claimed that the Telangana Congress government has engaged in a calculated deception of the BC community. KTR, addressing BC leaders at the residence of ex-minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, said the entire process—from conducting a caste census to drafting the reservation ordinance—was “riddled with loopholes” and orchestrated to mislead BCs.
He attributed the initial misstep to an allegedly flawed caste census that he said purposefully underreported BC numbers. He further alleged that Congress’s proposed ordinance was engineered purely for photo-op legalism and would collapse under judicial scrutiny.
KTR levied two main critiques against the caste census:
- Understated BC Population Figures: He claimed the survey artificially reduced BC representation, diminishing their entitlement to quotas.
- Flawed Methodology: According to him, the survey lacked scientific validity, excluded households, and failed transparency. He noted that even the BRS-era Samagra Kutumbha survey—cited as authentic—shows BCs as 51% of Telangana’s population, or even 61% including BC Muslims. The Congress survey, by contrast, was conducted without BC Commission oversight, pointing to political manipulation.
Echoing these concerns, ex-chairman of the BC Commission Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao said the SEEEPC census was unconstitutional. He underscored its lack of legal standing, poor transparency, and absence of caste-wise data disclosure.
KTR accused Congress of rolling out a half-baked ordinance—meant to hasten implementation of 42% reserved local body seats—without addressing legal precedents, such as the Supreme Court’s 1992 Indra Sawhney verdict. He claimed it was a deliberate gambit, expecting legal pushback, allowing Congress to evade responsibility.
Subsequent reports noted the Governor might seek legal opinion before approving the amendment, showing immediate recognition of potential constitutional issues.
KTR highlighted that Congress had yet to fulfill a single commitment under the Kamareddy BC Declaration—it lacked new welfare schemes, did not continue previous ones like KCR Kits, and failed to legislate BC quotas. He called it “malicious intent” and “political theater”.
He criticized the cancellation of earlier BRS-led welfare programs and noted the government’s inertia in launching fresh initiatives aimed at BC upliftment.
Congress’s Position:
- BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar defended the caste survey’s accuracy and challenged BJP’s objections, saying Congress had historically led BC-inclusive policy initiatives. He urged BJP to support the state’s legislation for constitutional safety of the 42% quota.
- Telangana Congress MPs plan to push for inserting the 42% reservation into the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution during the upcoming Parliament session to insulate it from legal scrutiny.
BRS’s Rebuttal:
- They called Congress’s quota push “a new drama” aimed at misleading BC communities.
- They expressed concern that Congress is preparing legal defenses to deflect blame, suggesting this was all premeditated to project a pro-BC image during elections.
Opposition demands include:
- Strengthening Legality: BRS leaders want the ordinance legally validated through central approval or inclusion in the Ninth Schedule.
- Sub-categorisation Debate: KTR emphasized that a blanket reservation vote cannot work without proper sub-categorisation within BCs—ensuring equitable distribution among various BC communities (e.g., Mudirajus, Gouds).
- Institutional Mandates: Experts and former officials stress that credible BC policymaking requires legally constituted commissions, transparent data, and public participation.
- The BRS has launched a statewide membership drive and village-level committees, aiming to capitalize on popular disillusionment with Congress—pointing to its incomplete implementation of electoral promises and alleged policy rollback.
- They also accuse Congress and BJP of collusion, arguing that Congress aims to advance its national agenda at Telangana’s expense.
- Grassroots frustration was already visible in June when BRS MLC K. Kavitha called for immediate issuance of a Government Order proclaiming BC reservation, backed by MPs. This move reflects an organized response, with varying parties building pressure.
Short-term milestones:
- Governor’s decision on the ordinance—pending legal advice.
- Parliamentary debate during the monsoon session. Congress MPs plan to recommend placing the eventual law under the Ninth Schedule.
Long-term concerns:
- A valid, legally enforceable mechanism for BC reservation—including sub-categorisation, constitutional safeguards, and commission assessment structures—is still lacking.
- Public sentiment among BC communities could steer political fortunes in the scheduled local body elections later this year.
KTR’s verbal salvo underscores deep mistrust and a growing sense of betrayal among BC communities regarding Congress’s 42% reservation promise. Whether the Congress government will move swiftly to legally entrench the ordinance or get bogged down in judicial review and political backlash remains uncertain.
With the Governor weighing legal opinion, Parliament deliberating, and opposition intensifying on the ground, the BC reservation issue is fast becoming the defining political flashpoint in Telangana’s upcoming electoral cycle. In the end, the question remains: is political theater being mistaken for policy action — and at what cost to BC empowerment?
Key Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | KTR’s critique meeting with BC leaders. |
| June 2025 | Kavitha demands GO for 42% BC reservations in local bodies. |
| Mid-July 2025 | Governor expected to obtain legal advice before ordinance OK. |
| This Monsoon | Congress MPs to lobby for Ninth Schedule insertion. |
| Late 2025 | Local elections—reserved BC seats to be at the centre stage |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:06 pm by Admin
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