YSRCP leader accuses government of misleading BCs over 34% quota

Former Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Chelluboyina Venugopala Krishna on Tuesday alleged that the State government was misleading BC communities on the issue of 34% reservation in local body elections.

He said the TDP-led government had promised in its election manifesto to conduct local body elections with 34% reservation for BCs and was responsible for fulfilling the commitment. He rejected the claim that the reduction of BC reservation from 34% to 24% was due to the YSRCP, saying the elections were held in accordance with court directions.

Mr. Venugopala Krishna said reservation beyond the 50% ceiling could not be implemented merely through a government order. He questioned whether the Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission report had been submitted to the court and whether legislation had been enacted based on its recommendations.

If the government was serious about providing 34% reservation to BCs, it should use its position as a constituent of the NDA at the Centre to secure the necessary legislation in Parliament, he said. He also questioned whether Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and BC Ministers K. Atchannaidu, Kollu Ravindra and Savitha had gone to Delhi to secure reservation for BCs or for political purposes.

Mr. Venugopala Krishna said issuing a G.O. and organising celebrations would not be enough and demanded legally valid measures to ensure 34% reservation for BCs. He alleged that the government was attempting to shift the responsibility for the issue to the previous YSRCP government instead of taking concrete steps.

BC youth were aware of the difference between “claims and concrete action”, he said, adding that making announcements and visiting Delhi without ensuring the legal framework for 34% reservation amounted to misleading the community.