Jagan Corners Naidu Over BC Quota

YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a fresh attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu after the High Court struck down the government orders providing 34% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections. Jagan accused the ruling coalition of misleading BC communities and demanded that Naidu use his influence with the Centre to bring a Constitutional amendment that would legally secure the promised quota. He also called on the Chief Minister to apologise to the BC community, questioning whether the reservation exercise was politically motivated.

Jagan alleged that the government should have pursued a constitutionally sustainable solution instead of issuing orders that faced legal challenges. He questioned whether Naidu had raised the issue with the Union government and pressed his party’s representation at the Centre to secure the necessary legal framework. These remarks reflect the YSRCP chief’s criticism of the government following the court ruling; the legal route to implementing the quota remains a key issue.

Defending his own government’s record, Jagan cited a law enacted in August 2019 that provided 50% reservations for BCs, SCs, STs and minorities in nominated posts and contract works across state corporations, boards, societies and committees. He said the measure helped create leadership opportunities for disadvantaged communities. With BC reservation now a major political flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh, the focus shifts to whether the Naidu government will pursue a legally viable solution.