Revanth Reddy Accuses KCR of Blocking BC Quota Bill, Vows Commitment to Empowerment

Hyderabad : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), accusing him of deliberately obstructing the passage of the Backward Classes (BC) quota bill in the Assembly. Speaking during the debate on the legislation, Revanth alleged that KCR was “creating hurdles with malicious intent” and warned that such political maneuvering would only further alienate the BRS from the public.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) later issued an official statement amplifying these charges, noting that while BRS MLA G. Kamalakar’s open support for the bill was “commendable,” the party leadership was reportedly displeased. The statement suggested that KCR was pressuring his party colleagues to oppose the legislation, despite widespread support for expanding BC reservations.

Allegations of Hypocrisy and Double Standards

Revanth Reddy accused KCR of betraying the interests of backward communities by failing to raise quotas during his tenure as Chief Minister. He pointed out that the Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, implemented under the BRS government, imposed a 50 percent cap on reservations—effectively blocking any meaningful expansion for BCs.

He further alleged that the BRS had refused to support the massive dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, which was organized to press the Union Government for approval of the BC quota bill pending before the President of India. “This is a clear indication of BRS’ lack of sincerity,” Revanth said. “People have already rejected them, and if they continue to play politics over BC empowerment, they will once again face the people’s wrath.”

Legislative Roadblocks and Governor’s Role

According to the Chief Minister, the BRS also influenced the Governor to delay the promulgation of an ordinance on the BC quota. While both the bill and the ordinance were eventually sent to the President for assent, there has been no positive response so far.

Frustrated by the Centre’s inaction, Revanth said the state government had now decided to bring forward legislation in the Assembly to remove the 50 percent ceiling on reservations. He revealed that the state had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on five occasions seeking an appointment to discuss the matter, but no response was received.

Efforts to Strengthen BC Reservation

Defending his government’s commitment, Revanth outlined a series of steps taken to ensure legal and constitutional backing for the quota expansion. In compliance with a High Court directive, the state constituted the Samarpan Aayog to carry out a caste survey and collect data necessary for policy formulation. The process began on February 4, 2024, and was completed exactly a year later, on February 4, 2025.

“We worked diligently for 365 days to prepare the ground for 42 percent BC reservation,” Revanth said. He explained that the Cabinet had approved the proposal before it was placed as a resolution in the Assembly. “We have already sent two separate bills to the Governor providing 42 percent quota in education, empowerment, and local bodies. Both bills have been pending with the President for five months now,” he added.

The CMO statement also referred to a writ petition filed by Rajya Sabha member R. Krishnaiah (Writ Petition No. 30381/2024) urging that data be collected through the Samarpan Aayog rather than the BC Commission. Revanth emphasized that his government respected judicial directions and carefully examined legal aspects before creating the new commission.

Responding to BRS Counterarguments

Responding to BRS MLA Kamalakar’s concerns that states such as Rajasthan and Bihar faced challenges with similar policies, Revanth said Telangana had sent official committees and ministers to study the frameworks in those states. “We have thoroughly examined the legal precedents and designed the Dedication Commission only after ensuring compliance with constitutional safeguards,” he clarified.

He insisted that the BRS leadership was using fear and misinformation to mislead weaker sections. “The exchange of accusations among BC leaders themselves is not a good sign. Instead of strengthening their cause, it only weakens the struggle,” Revanth remarked, urging unity.

Court-Ordered Deadlines and Next Steps

The Chief Minister acknowledged that certain legal hurdles remain. The High Court recently directed that local body elections must be conducted by September 30, a timeline that could complicate the implementation of revised quotas. Still, Revanth affirmed that his government would pursue every available avenue to ensure that the interests of BCs are safeguarded.

Strong Warning to the Opposition

Concluding his remarks, Revanth warned the BRS against obstructing progress on the quota bill. “The people of Telangana have already given a verdict against you once. If you continue to oppose BC empowerment, you will lose whatever prestige remains,” he said.

The fiery debate underscored the growing political stakes around backward class reservations in Telangana, with the ruling Congress framing itself as the champion of BC empowerment and portraying the BRS as an obstacle to justice for marginalized communities.