Bode Yadav Urges Chandrababu, Jagan to Back BC Reservation Demand

BCU Party president Bode Ramachandra Yadav has demanded that Andhra Pradesh postpone local body elections until the BC (Backward Classes) caste census is completed and political reservations are determined in proportion to their population. He accused the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of failing to secure fair political representation for BCs.

His remarks followed the Supreme Court's decision to strike down two government orders concerning 34 per cent reservation for BCs in local bodies. The court's decision was linked to the state's failure to provide an adequate scientific basis for the proposed quota.

In a statement issued on Friday, Yadav alleged that the government possessed empirical data showing that BCs constituted 50.4 per cent of Andhra Pradesh's population, but had failed to submit the information to the court. He questioned the political rationale behind pursuing a 34 per cent quota without ensuring representation proportionate to the community's population. The figures and allegations cited in his statement were not independently verified in the material provided.

Yadav said the 2027 Census would help establish the population figures needed to determine BC representation. He argued that local bodies could continue functioning under special officers until the issue was resolved, instead of conducting elections before reservations were finalised.

He also proposed a constitutional amendment to guarantee population-based political representation for BCs from village and ward-level bodies to Parliament.

Yadav urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to defer local body elections until the caste census was completed. He also asked YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to clarify his position on the demand and called on both parties to support the proposal.

Yadav warned that proceeding with elections without addressing the caste census and proportionate political reservations would amount to a betrayal of BCs. He said both parties should publicly clarify their positions on ensuring adequate representation for the community in local governance.

He reiterated that local body elections should be held only after BC political reservations are determined in proportion to the community's population.