Government Issues Order on BC Reservations Ahead of Local Body Polls

Quick Summary:

• The Congress government in Telangana is set to issue a Government Order (GO) providing 42% reservations for marginalized groups in local body polls, fulfilling a key election promise.
• The High Court’s deadline of September 30 to finalize the decision adds urgency to this move.
• Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy held a strategy meeting with senior ministers and TPCC leaders on September 20 to discuss political and legal implications.
• This decision risks breaching the Supreme Court-mandated cap of 50% on total reservations, likely leading to legal challenges.
• Delhi’s lack of progress on clearing pending Bills related to reservation has left the State government with no option but unilateral action, according to sources.
• Local bodies in Telangana have been without elected representatives for over a year, mounting pressure for resolution ahead of elections.
• Backward community (BC) organizations are urging Congress leaders not just to extend reservations but rely on statutory provisions instead.
• The Congress aims politically by delivering promises but remains cautious about negative fallout if the policy is struck down judicially.

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Indian analysis