Amaravati, Oct 1: The Andhra Pradesh government has suffered a setback in the High Court over its decision to provide 34% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections.
The AP High Court has quashed two Government Orders, G.O. Ms. No. 105 (34% reservation for BCs in rural local bodies) and G.O. Ms. No. 1065 (33.33% reservation for BCs in urban local bodies) in local body elections.
Opposition parties have criticised the government, arguing that the total reservations in local bodies cannot exceed the 50% ceiling laid down by the Supreme Court in several judgments. They alleged that the government announced the enhanced BC quota for electoral gains despite being aware of the legal limitations.
The YSRCP also alleged that the government brought the issue to the forefront only after completing around two-and-a-half years in office and just weeks before local body elections. The Opposition described the Govt move as an attempt to “mislead” BC voters.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to challenge the High Court verdict in the Supreme Court. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly directed officials to approach the apex court against the HC order.
According to TDP sources, Naidu discussed the matter with Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas and senior legal experts. The government is expected to file a petition in the Supreme Court before Monday, seeking relief over the 34% BC reservation issue.
