YSRCP: HC Order Exposes Naidu’s “BC Quota Politics”

YSRCP leaders Dharmana Prasada Rao and Chelluboyina Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna have hit out at the Chandrababu Naidu government after the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down the orders providing 34% BC reservation in rural local bodies and 33.33% in urban bodies. They alleged the government knew the quota could face legal hurdles and demanded an explanation from the coalition government.

The YSRCP leaders also challenged Naidu to demonstrate his commitment to BC political representation in the upcoming local elections. They questioned why the government had not pursued a constitutional route to protect reservations beyond the existing 50% ceiling, pointing to Tamil Nadu’s Ninth Schedule approach as an example. Their remarks are political allegations by the opposition and do not by themselves establish the government’s intent.

With the High Court directing the local-body election process to move forward within six weeks, BC representation is set to become a major political issue in Andhra Pradesh. YSRCP leaders are now demanding that the coalition provide at least 34% political opportunities to BCs, irrespective of the court setback.