Kavitha further emphasized that while there may be legal complexities in providing education and employment reservations at 46 percent, local body reservations fall entirely under the state's jurisdiction, as per Article 243G of the Indian Constitution.
Published Mar 06, 2025 | 2:22 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 06, 2025 | 2:22 PM
BRS MLC K Kavitha. (X)
Synopsis: BRS MLC Kavitha urged the Telangana government to introduce three separate bills to increase Backward Class (BC) reservation in education, employment, and local body elections. She criticised national parties for not fielding BC candidates in the recently concluded MLC elections and expressed support for the family of a Telangana citizen killed in the US. Kavitha also encouraged Indian students abroad to stay strong during this difficult time.
BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Thursday, 6 March, demanded the Telangana government introduce three distinct bills to enhance reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in education, employment, and local body elections.
“The Telangana government itself acknowledges that BCs constitute 46 percent of the state’s population. If they are truly committed to social justice, I demand the introduction of three separate bills — one for education, one for employment, and one for political reservation in local bodies,” said Kavitha.
She further emphasised that while there may be legal complexities in providing education and employment reservations at 46 percent, local body reservations fall entirely under the state’s jurisdiction according to Article 243G of the Indian Constitution. Article 243G gives state legislatures the power to grant authority and responsibilities to gram panchayats.
Asking the Telangana government to walk the talk, Kavitha added, “Local governance is a state subject, and there are no legal hurdles in implementing reservations for BCs in local bodies. If this government truly believes in Rahul Gandhi’s vision of empowering the backward classes, they should walk the talk and ensure political representation.”
Responding to BJP’s performance in the recent MLC elections, Kavitha asserted that the results were not a true reflection of democracy.
Criticising the national parties for not giving tickets to backward-class candidates, the MLC claimed, “No party gave a ticket to a BC candidate; both national parties chose upper-caste candidates. The BRS didn’t contest, which changed the situation. When we called for BC unity, a BC candidate stepped up and gave tough competition.”
“If either national party had truly supported BC representation, the result would have been different. Sadly, this election doesn’t reflect true democracy,” she said.
Kavitha also expressed her sadness over the tragic murder of a Telangana citizen in the United States. “It is heartbreaking. I urge the Telangana and Union governments to act quickly to bring the victim’s body back. The family must be in great pain, and my thoughts are with them.”
“I also support the Indian students in the US who may be scared after this incident — stay strong. I trust that the Indian Embassy and government will support you in this tough time,” she added.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
