Hyderabad (Telangana) [India]: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced on Monday that the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) population stands at 56.36%, and the government has resolved to ensure 42% reservation for this group in education, employment, and political representation.
In a post on X, CM Reddy said, “Telangana is proud to lead the social revolution in #India. It is my honour to announce the longest pending demand of the subaltern groups since Indian Independence, the yearning of our brothers & sisters belonging to the Backward Castes, on being counted & recognised in an official census – has finally found deliverance.”
Reddy further stated, “Today, as the Leader of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, as Chief Minister I solemnly declare that based on the most scientific, methodically rigorous, and excruciating efforts of our people, we can say that the OBCs population in #Telangana is 56.36 percent.”
“We are now resolving to ensure 42 percent reservations for this group in all walks of life — education, jobs, employment, and political representation. Be on the right side of history & let each one of us become a champion of this historic move,” CM Reddy added.
Earlier in the day, CM Reddy reiterated his commitment to taking “proactive measures” to achieve 42% reservation for the Backward Classes (BCs) and urged all political parties to join forces in appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue.
During his speech in the Telangana Assembly, CM Reddy highlighted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had promised to enhance BC reservations to 42% if the party came to power. Following the formation of the new government, a BC caste census was launched on February 4, 2024.
Reddy extended his gratitude to everyone who participated in the caste survey, emphasizing that the Assembly’s consensus on increasing the BC quota was a significant milestone.
CM Reddy revealed that the previous government had proposed increasing the BC reservation to 37%, but his government is now withdrawing that proposal in favor of a 42% reservation across education, employment, and political opportunities.
He also declared February 4 as ‘Social Justice Day’ to commemorate the adoption of the resolution for enhancing the BC quota.
“As the leader of the House, I am assuring that I will take proactive measures and lead to achieve 42 percent BC reservation,” Reddy said. He called on Union Ministers, including Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay, to help secure an appointment with PM Modi to push for this change.
CM Reddy further urged Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue in Parliament and entrusted TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud with the responsibility of seeking a meeting with Gandhi soon.
“As the leader of the House, I am also assuring that the BC census report is 100 percent correct. It is the responsibility of everyone to adopt the BC bill in Parliament. We will not sit calm until 42 percent reservation is achieved for BCs. We are committed to the Kamareddy Declaration,” CM Reddy asserted.