Hyderabad, Aug 24, 2025:
The Telangana government finds itself cornered on the issue of BC (Backward Classes) reservations in upcoming local body elections. With legal constraints blocking any hike beyond the existing limit, the Congress government led by CM A. Revanth Reddy is preparing to adopt a party-level reservation strategy to honor its political commitment.
No Scope for Raising Reservation Quota
According to official sources, there is no legal room to increase BC reservations to 42% in local body elections. The Supreme Court’s mandate clearly restricts total reservations to under 50%. As the election deadline nears, the government has no alternative but to proceed within these legal limits.
The Congress Political Affairs Committee has reportedly decided that, instead of issuing fresh government orders, the party will internally allot 42% of seats to BC candidates while selecting nominees for Zilla Parishads, Mandal Parishads, and other local bodies.
Congress to Rely on Old KCR-Era GO
In 2019, during the BRS (then TRS) regime, a government order (GO) fixed 22% BC reservations for local elections in Telangana, in line with the Supreme Court’s 50% cap. Officials confirmed that the same GO will apply this time as well, meaning no new quota will be notified. However, the allocation of reserved seats across districts may undergo changes, depending on administrative decisions.
Congress Strategy – Party-Based 42% Allocation
Even though legal hurdles prevent the issuance of a new GO, the Congress leadership is keen on proving its commitment to the BC community. Hence, the party has resolved to ensure 42% of Congress candidates in local elections will be from BC communities.
This is expected to be projected as a *political promise fulfillment, and leaders are confident it will resonate with voters. However, rival parties, including *BRS and BJP, are preparing to question the Congress government for not delivering on its official promise of quota expansion.
National Perspective – Why Reservation Hike Needs Constitutional Amendment
The Supreme Court judgment in Indra Sawhney case sets the ceiling of 50% on caste-based reservations. To exceed this limit, a constitutional amendment is mandatory. Political observers note that unless Congress comes to power at the Centre with enough strength to push through an amendment, the 42% BC quota cannot be made a legal reality.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy had earlier declared that only under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership as Prime Minister could such a constitutional reform be pursued. But with BJP firmly opposed to raising quotas beyond the ceiling, the debate is expected to remain a political flashpoint in Telangana elections.
What Lies Ahead?
The State Election Commission is likely to release the local body election schedule in the *first week of September 2025, with the process expected to conclude by month-end. Congress insiders believe that the *party-level 42% reservation strategy will not only counter criticism but also mobilize BC voters ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are preparing to highlight the *Congress government’s inability to deliver official reservation hikes, framing it as yet another case of *political promises versus constitutional realities.
Key Highlights:
- Telangana government cannot raise BC quota beyond 22% due to Supreme Court’s 50% cap.
- Congress to internally allocate 42% party tickets to BC candidates.
- Local body election schedule likely in September 2025.
- Only a constitutional amendment can make 42% quota legally enforceable.
- Opposition set to target Congress for failing to issue a new GO.