Delhi, July 8:
BRS leader and MLC K. Kavitha has launched a scathing attack on both the Congress and BJP over the delay in approving the *Telangana OBC Reservation Bill, which proposes *42% reservation for Backward Classes in local body elections. Addressing media in Delhi, Kavitha warned that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) will organize a statewide “Rail Roko” protest on July 17 if the bill is not cleared by then.
Kavitha, daughter of BRS chief and former CM K. Chandrashekhar Rao, emphasized that the bill has already been *passed by both the Telangana Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, but is still awaiting *Presidential assent.
“It’s been nearly four months. Local body elections are nearing, and if this bill is not cleared immediately, over 2.5 crore OBC citizens in Telangana will be deprived of fair political representation,” she said.
“This is not just about reservation, it’s about social justice.”
Kavitha appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to intervene and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the process, noting that Modi himself belongs to the OBC community.
“Mr. Prime Minister, stand with the OBCs of Telangana. You are one of us. Show leadership by approving this bill now,” she asserted.
She also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of hypocrisy. While Rahul Gandhi praises the “Telangana model” during his national campaigns, Kavitha claims he has failed to implement the promises his party made during the state elections.
“Rahul Gandhi keeps flaunting the Telangana model, yet here we are begging his government to issue a simple government order,” she said.
In a symbolic gesture, Kavitha said she was ready to gift another copy of the Constitution to Rahul Gandhi, urging him to read it and take immediate action.
‘Rail Roko’ Protest Announced for July 17
As frustration grows, the BRS has *declared a mass protest movement, beginning with a *railway blockade across Telangana on July 17.
“We came to Delhi peacefully to demand justice. But if our voices are ignored, we will stop the trains. The movement will not stop until our demand is fulfilled,” Kavitha warned.
What Is the 42% OBC Reservation Bill?
- The bill seeks to increase OBC reservation to 42% in Telangana’s local body elections.
- It aims to correct years of underrepresentation of backward classes in political processes.
- The bill is currently pending Presidential approval, even though it has cleared all required hurdles at the state level.
- BRS also demands that the bill be included in Schedule 9 of the Constitution to provide immunity from judicial challenges.
Political Blame Game: Congress vs BJP vs BRS
While the Congress blames the Union Government for the delay, the BJP argues that the matter lies squarely with the state. Kavitha, however, holds both parties accountable.
“Congress plays vote-bank politics. BJP plays power games. Neither is serious about uplifting OBCs,” she alleged.
She added that the delay reflects the political apathy toward socially backward communities, despite tall claims made during elections.