Kavitha mocked Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, claiming he spends more time in Delhi than Telangana, quipping that he has already "hit a half-century" in national capital visits since assuming office
Published Jul 08, 2025 | 8:53 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 08, 2025 | 8:53 PM
“Not a single train will move”: Kavitha threatens Centre over BC quota, calls out Congress and BJP
Synopsis: BRS MLC and Telangana Jagruthi President K Kavitha has warned of a statewide “Rail Roko” protest on 17 July if the Centre fails to grant Presidential assent to the Telangana BC Reservation Bill, which proposes 42% quota for Backward Classes. Declaring, “Not a single train will move,” Kavitha vowed to escalate the protest into an indefinite agitation if demands are unmet
In a fiery address at the Constitution Club of India, BRS MLC and Telangana Jagruthi President K. Kavitha on Tuesday issued a stern ultimatum to the Centre, threatening a statewide “Rail Roko” protest on July 17 if the President fails to approve the Telangana BC Reservation Bill, which seeks to provide 42 percent quota to Backward Classes.
“We won’t let a single train move—this is just a trailer. If the Bill is not approved, we will intensify the agitation with an indefinite Rail Roko,” Kavitha warned, adding that trains from Deccan to Delhi will be stopped.
The bill, passed by the Telangana Assembly, is awaiting Presidential assent. Kavitha accused the BJP-led Centre and the Congress-led state government of betraying BC communities, which she claimed form 52 percent of Telangana’s population based on the 2014 family survey conducted by the BRS government.
She alleged the recent caste census figures showing 46 percent BC population were “flawed.”
Kavitha also hit out at the Congress for what she called its tokenism and double standards. She questioned why Rahul Gandhi, who carries the Constitution publicly, isn’t advising CM Revanth Reddy to issue a Government Order (GO) implementing 42 percent BC reservation under Article 243(D).
“Why is there hesitation in issuing a GO? Why is Rahul Gandhi silent when Telangana’s BCs demand justice?” she asked.
She also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who identifies as an OBC, to intervene and ensure the Telangana bill is granted Presidential assent.
Kavitha urged that the BC reservation law be placed under the Ninth Schedule, like Tamil Nadu’s 69% quota, to safeguard it from legal challenges.
Kavitha alleged that the Congress government passed the BC quota bill only to offload responsibility onto the Centre, and criticized the eight BJP MPs from Telangana for remaining silent. “Both national parties have deceived BCs repeatedly,” she said.
Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Kavitha remarked that he spends more time in Delhi than Telangana and “has already hit a half-century” in visits to the national capital since taking office.
Calling for broader political support, Kavitha announced plans to write to all national parties seeking support for the quota bill.
She praised regional leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Naveen Patnaik, and Jayalalithaa for prioritizing welfare over political expediency, claiming regional parties are more committed to social justice.
Kavitha concluded by reaffirming her commitment to the BC community: “The 2.5 crore BC population in Telangana will not forgive those who deny them justice. This is a fight we’re prepared to take to the finish.”
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
