Lagatar24 Desk
Hyderabad: Normal life across Telangana came to a halt on Saturday as a statewide bandh called by Backward Classes (BC) organisations demanding the restoration of 42% reservations in local bodies turned violent in parts of Hyderabad. The shutdown, supported by major political parties including Congress, BRS, and BJP, saw businesses, schools, and public transport services grind to a stop, leaving Diwali travellers stranded.
Violence and Disruption During Bandh
The bandh, organised by the Backward Classes Joint Action Committee (BC JAC), was called in response to the Telangana High Court’s stay on a state government order granting 42% reservation to BCs. Protesters vandalised a petrol pump and attacked nearby shops, prompting police deployment across major cities. Public transport services were severely disrupted as Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) buses remained in depots following union appeals.
Political Leaders Join Statewide Demonstrations
Prominent leaders, including ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Vakiti Srihari, Seethakka, and Konda Surekha, joined demonstrations in Hyderabad, while opposition leaders such as Etala Rajender and Kalvakuntla Kavitha also participated. Kavitha criticised both the Congress and BJP for “misleading BCs” and demanded immediate action on the 42% reservation. Meanwhile, Congress leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring BC representation, calling the bandh a “collective show of unity.”
Court Rulings and Renewed Demands
The Telangana High Court’s interim stay on October 9, followed by the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene, triggered widespread anger among BC organisations. Demonstrators urged the central government to pass the pending BC Bill to secure constitutional backing for the quota. Ministers reaffirmed that the Congress government under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy remained committed to fulfilling the 42% reservation demand.
