Hyderabad (Telangana), March 18: Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced on Tuesday that the Congress Party would push in Parliament for the 42 percent reservation bill to be included in the Ninth Schedule. Speaking to ANI, Prabhakar emphasized the significance of the bill passed in the Telangana Assembly, which was based on a comprehensive survey. He expressed hope that the central government would implement it soon, and pledged that the Congress Party would advocate for its passage in Parliament.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described the passage of the bill as ‘revolutionary,’ asserting that the Congress Party would push for a caste census in India. Gandhi stated, “The Congress government has fulfilled its promise to increase OBC reservations in Telangana, with the bill ensuring equal participation in education, employment, and politics for OBC communities.” He also praised the bill for demolishing the 50 percent reservation barrier in the state, calling it a vital step toward social justice.
The Congress leader further explained that the caste survey data would help formulate policies aimed at benefiting all communities based on their social and economic conditions. He reiterated his long-standing belief that a caste census was essential for ensuring backward and deprived communities received their rightful share of benefits.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy earlier this week stated that the OBC population in Telangana stands at 56.36 percent, and his government has resolved to allocate 42 percent reservation for this group across education, employment, and politics. Reddy described this as a historic moment, acknowledging the long-standing demand of backward caste communities since India’s independence.
“Telangana is proud to lead this social revolution,” Reddy declared in a post on social media. He urged people to support the movement, which he described as a significant step towards the recognition and upliftment of OBCs in the state.