Amaravati, Oct 1: YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticised the TDP-led coalition government after the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down the government orders providing 34 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections.
Jagan alleged that the government staged a political drama in the name of 34 per cent BC reservations to mislead the BC community. He said the government knew that the reservations would face legal hurdles in view of earlier Supreme Court judgments, yet continued the issue as a political exercise for 44 days.
Following the High Court verdict, Jagan demanded that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu apologise to the BC community.
Jagan said that if Chandrababu is genuinely committed to providing 34 per cent reservation to BCs, he should convince the NDA government at the Centre and find a constitutional and legally valid solution. He questioned what efforts Chandrababu had made with the Centre during his meetings with Union ministers and visits to Delhi.
Instead of misleading BCs with government orders that may not stand in court, Chandrababu should work with the Centre for the necessary constitutional and legal changes, Jagan said.
Jagan also highlighted the steps taken by the YSRCP government for the political, social and economic empowerment of BCs, SCs, STs and minorities. He said that in 2019, the YSRCP government brought in a law providing 50 per cent reservation for SCs, STs, BCs and minorities in nominated posts and contract works.
He also said that 56 separate BC corporations were established, covering 139 BC communities. Jagan questioned why the TDP-led coalition government had not implemented the law even though it has been with the government for the past two-and-a-half years.
Jagan said the YSRCP government also ensured greater representation for BCs in the Rajya Sabha, Legislative Council and local bodies. Out of 11 Rajya Sabha seats, four were given to BC leaders, while 28 out of 58 MLC positions were given to BCs, he said.
He further said BCs were given representation in Zilla Parishad chairperson posts, mayors, municipal chairpersons, Mandal Parishad presidents and ZPTC positions.
According to Jagan, BC families received benefits worth Rs 1.82 lakh crore through welfare schemes such as Amma Vodi, Vidya Deevena, Vasathi Deevena, Rythu Bharosa, YSR Pension Kanuka, Cheyutha, Aasara, Nethanna Nestham, Matsyakara Bharosa, Vahana Mitra, Chedodu and Thodu. Jagan said Chandrababu should show his commitment to BCs through action, not just words.
He finally demanded that Chandrababu, as a key partner in the NDA government at the Centre, use his political influence to convince the Union government to bring the required constitutional amendment and ensure 34 per cent reservation for BCs.
