The BJP has officially announced its complete solidarity with the upcoming ‘bandh’ (strike) organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Backward Class (BC) organizations. This strike, scheduled for October 18, is a strong call for a 42% reservation quota. Following a meeting with Rajya Sabha MP R. Krishnaiah, Party President N. Ramchander Rao informed the media that all BJP leaders and members would actively and enthusiastically participate, underscoring the party’s unwavering commitment to this crucial cause.
Highlighting their dedication, Rao pointed out, ‘Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, himself comes from a Backward Class background, and an impressive 27 BC Ministers serve in the central Cabinet. Furthermore, the Central government has granted constitutional status to the National BC Commission. In stark contrast, how many BC Ministers are currently serving in the Telangana Congress government? It is simply unjust to criticize the BJP for issues related to quota implementation that the state government itself has failed to address.’ He challenged the opposition to reflect on their own track record.
Rao further revealed that the central government plans to conduct a comprehensive caste enumeration during the upcoming census operations. He emphasized that this would be the first ‘authentic’ caste count since India gained independence, with the last one having been carried out during British rule. ‘Previous Congress governments consistently failed to undertake such a crucial count when they were in power,’ Rao stated. He also highlighted that BJP leaders had actively intervened in the BC quota case during its hearings in the High Court, demonstrating their consistent advocacy.
In response, Mr. Krishnaiah expressed his sincere gratitude to Mr. Rao for the BJP’s robust support, acknowledging the deep disappointment felt by BC communities regarding the recent High Court verdict on reservations.