Telangana’s ruling Congress on Friday extended its support to the bandh called by the Telangana Backwards Class Joint Action Committee (BC JAC) on October 18 to protest the Supreme Court’s stay on the government order granting 42 per cent reservation to BCs in local body elections.
BJP and BRS have also announced their support to the band.
“I appeal to everyone – general public and all communities – to participate in the BC bandh on October 18, which is being organized across the state against the BJP,” Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said in a statement, PTI reported.
What is open and what is closed today?
Most schools and colleges are already closed for the Diwali holidays, so there is unlikely to be any significant disruption to education.
However, all government offices will remain open.
Public transport services such as RTC buses may operate on a limited schedule, so passengers are advised to confirm timings before making a plan. Hospitals and other emergency services will continue to operate as normal.
Shops and markets in central Hyderabad will remain closed.
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Meanwhile, Telangana Director General of Police B Shivadhar Reddy has appealed to all organizations to observe the bandh peacefully and not cause public inconvenience.
He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone indulging in illegal or disruptive activities in the name of bandh.
Why is Bandh held?
On October 9, the Telangana High Court issued a temporary stay on the government order providing 42 percent reservation for BCs in local polls.
He urged Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay along with state BJP president R Ramachander Rao to take the initiative and hold meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President to get approval for the BC Bill.
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BC JAC chairman and BJP Rajya Sabha member R Krishnaiah had earlier sought support for the bandh from all political parties and civil society organisations.
Telangana will decide on the issue of 42 pc quota BC in the cabinet meeting on October 23
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday said that the state government is sincere and committed to ensure 42% reservation for Backward Classes and the issue will be discussed in the cabinet meeting on October 23 after receiving a copy of the Supreme Court judgment.
“The Congress party and the government have a sincere and committed intention to secure 42 per cent reservation for BC. Once we receive a copy of the Supreme Court judgment, the matter will be discussed and a decision will be taken in the cabinet meeting on October 23,” Vikramarka said in a press release.
