Telangana’s 42% BC Reservation Bill Still Pending; Ponnam Prabhakar Warns Centre to Act Immediately

Hyderabad: The Telangana government’s move to grant 42% reservations to Backward Classes (BCs) — after conducting a state-wide caste survey and passing the law in the state assembly — remains stalled, with the bills sent to the Governor on March 30 still awaiting approval and subsequent action at the President’s office.

Speaking on the delay, senior leader Ponnam Prabhakar said the prolonged inaction from the central government is blocking implementation and harming local governance. He noted that panchayat elections have not been held for nearly two years and central funds to gram panchayats have been disrupted, creating hardships at the grassroots level.

“All political parties here supported and passed the bills. The delay is because the government at the Centre, which must take the decision next, has been silent — and that silence is causing implementation to stall,” Ponnam said. He warned that the movement will pursue all available routes, including legal battles: affidavits will be filed in high courts and the struggle will continue in the courts of law.

In response to the BC bandh and associated protests, various weaker-section organisations in Telangana have formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC). Groups such as Madiga Dandora, Mala Mahanadu and BC associations have united and called for peaceful bandh actions; Ponnam lauded their coordination and extended his congratulations to participants for maintaining calm.

Transport has been affected across the state after the transport department — acting on requests from political parties — suspended some bus services during the bandh. Ponnam acknowledged the temporary inconvenience to the public but said such actions are necessary to press the demand for timely implementation of reservations.

He directly appealed to Union leaders and BJP MPs, specifically naming Bandi Sanjay and Kishan Reddy, urging them to convey the aspirations of Telangana’s weaker sections to the Centre. “You have responsibility at the Centre; we have done our duty in the State. The central government must take a decision without any further delay,” Ponnam demanded.

Reiterating readiness to defend the law, he added, “We are prepared to present our arguments in any court.” He concluded with a rallying call: inspired by the Telangana movement, the struggle to secure 42% reservations will continue until the goal is achieved.