Hyderabad, July 22, 2025 –
As Telangana gears up for *local body elections, the issue of *Backward Classes (BC) reservations has taken center stage in the political landscape. A heated war of words is underway among the state’s major political parties over 42% reservation for BCs in the upcoming polls.
Reservation Debate Divides Political Lines
The proposal to provide 42% political reservations for BCs in local bodies has triggered sharp reactions from all corners. While the Congress government is pushing for this change, opposition parties are either skeptical or demanding clarity.
Senior Congress leaders claim that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek the Centre’s support in approving the reservation formula.
They also point out that the related ordinance is currently pending with the Governor. The delay is being seen as a major hurdle in implementing the reservation structure before the election notification is released.
BJP: “Can’t Include in 9th Schedule”
On the other hand, BJP leaders argue that BC reservations for local elections cannot be added to the 9th Schedule of the Constitution, as that would require a constitutional amendment and Parliamentary approval. They accuse the state government of misleading people for political mileage.
“Constitutional procedures cannot be bypassed for vote-bank politics,” a BJP spokesperson said.
BRS Demands Reservation Before Elections
Meanwhile, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has taken a strong stand. The party insists that the local body elections must not be held until 42% BC reservations are formally ensured. BRS leaders are accusing the Congress and BJP of playing a political drama at the expense of BC communities.
They argue that the BC population has long been underrepresented, and delaying or denying reservations would be an injustice.
What’s the Current Status of BC Reservations in Telangana?
- A proposal for 42% reservations for BCs in local body polls is under review.
- The ordinance has been sent to the Governor, awaiting approval.
- The issue has sparked legal and political complications, including debate over constitutional validity.
Why This Matters for the 2025 Telangana Elections
This reservation issue could have a major impact on upcoming municipal and panchayat elections, influencing the electoral strategy of every major party. The outcome will likely shape political equations, especially among BC communities, who form a significant voter base across rural Telangana.
Political analysts believe the timing of the reservation promise could either boost or backfire on the Congress depending on how the Centre and the courts respond.
Key takeaways:
- Congress-led Telangana government is pushing for 42% reservations for BCs in upcoming local body elections.
- Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is expected to meet Prime Minister Modi to seek central approval.
- The ordinance is pending with the Governor, causing procedural delays.
- BJP opposes the move, saying BC reservations can’t be added to the 9th Schedule without constitutional amendment.
- BRS demands elections be postponed until the 42% quota for BCs is officially implemented.
- The issue has become a major political flashpoint ahead of the 2025 Telangana elections.