KTR challenges Revanth Reddy to sit on hunger strike in Delhi for BC quota

Hyderabad, Aug 31 (IANS) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Sunday challenged Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to sit on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to put pressure on the Centre to approve two Bills for 42 per cent reservation to Backward Classes.

Speaking in the Telangana Legislative Assembly during the debate on the Panchayati Raj Amendment Bill, Rama Rao launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, accusing it of misleading the people on the issue of BC reservations.

"If Chief Minister Revanth Reddy truly has a commitment towards Backward Classes, he should sit on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi until the BC Bill is passed. This is not about seeking appointments, but about showing dedication," KTR said after Chief Minister told the House that he has written five times to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an appointment.

Drawing a parallel with the Telangana agitation, KTR remarked: "Just as KCR went to Delhi and declared he would not return without achieving Telangana, Revanth Reddy must also go to Delhi and remain there until the BC Bill is secured. That is the kind of commitment the government should show."

KTR said that KCR was the first leader in India to demand a separate OBC Welfare Ministry in 2004.

"Soon after founding the party, he introduced a comprehensive BC policy. In the Telangana Assembly, we passed resolutions demanding a caste census and OBC reservations in legislatures and forwarded them to the Centre. Whenever we had the opportunity, we ensured justice to BCs and weaker sections."

The BRS leader questioned the sincerity of Congress over the BC reservation. "How can people trust a party that changes its stand on BC reservations five times? This is nothing but insincere posturing. If Congress and the BJP are really serious, let them bring a constitutional amendment in Parliament - only that can permanently ensure BC reservations."

Reaffirming the position of BRS, KTR said, "On the demand for 42 per cent BC reservations, we are fully supportive of the government. But laws must be crafted without loopholes; otherwise, judicial review will strike them down. Declarations are not enough - dedication is what matters."

--IANS

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