Court upholds Telangana Government’s move to enhance B.C. quota in local bodies; Dr. K.A. Paul calls it a step toward equality and fair representation.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday upheld Telangana’s 42% reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies, dismissing a plea against it — a ruling celebrated as a major win for B.C. communities.
The petitioners had contended that the government’s move violated the 50% ceiling on reservations established by the Apex Court in previous judgments. However, the Court upheld the state’s decision, marking a significant victory for B.C. communities in Telangana.
Dr. K.A. Paul, who has been advocating for B.C. rights in Telugu states for past years, addressed the media following the ruling. He emphasized the constitutional guarantee of equality under Article 14 and highlighted the historic underrepresentation of BCs in political leadership.
He also condemned the attack on the Honorable Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court today by a reckless individual and stressed that respect for the judiciary is essential. He welcomed the Honorable Justice Vikram Nath Ji bench for dismissing the case against BCs and said BCs should be united.
He pointed out that the Congress party has not given a single Chief Minister post to any BC for the last 79 years and has consistently favored the Reddy community, which forms less than 5% of the population, while ignoring the majority BC population, nearly 50-52%. He said today is a day to celebrate a victory for the backward castes. Article 14 guarantees equality for all citizens, and the Court’s ruling upholds this fundamental right. He added that the 42% reservation in Telangana is a step towards correcting decades of systemic neglect, ensuring BCs receive fair representation in local governance.
Dr. Paul further urged political parties to translate constitutional rights into meaningful political empowerment, including providing executive positions for BC leaders in line with their demographic strength.
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