The Andhra Pradesh State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M) has strongly objected to the state government telling the High Court that it is still examining the report of the Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission, which was constituted to study the social, economic, educational and political conditions of Backward Classes (BCs).
The CPI(M) said the High Court’s question on how the government could implement 34% reservations for BCs in local body elections when the commission’s report is still under examination has exposed what it described as the state government’s misleading approach.
The party demanded that the government immediately provide a clear explanation regarding the implementation of BC reservations.
CPI(M) Demands Immediate Release of Commission Report
The CPI(M) state committee demanded that the Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission report be made public immediately.
It also urged the TDP-led coalition government to put pressure on the Centre to introduce a constitutional or legislative amendment in Parliament to overcome the existing 50% ceiling on reservations and ensure effective implementation of BC reservations.
The CPI(M) pointed out that it had already demanded the release of the commission’s report, but the state government had failed to respond.
The party said that the issue has become even more questionable after the High Court itself sought to know why the report had not been made public. According to the CPI(M), the government’s continued silence despite the court’s questions has raised further doubts over its intentions.
‘Government Should Clarify How 34% Reservations Will Be Implemented’
The CPI(M) criticised the government for announcing 34% reservations for BCs without addressing the legal and constitutional limitations surrounding reservations exceeding the 50% ceiling.
The party argued that, in view of Supreme Court judgments imposing restrictions on reservations beyond the 50% limit, the government should instead make efforts to bring about a necessary amendment in Parliament.
According to the CPI(M), attempting to project 34% BC reservations without taking steps to address these legal hurdles amounts to misleading the BC communities.
Pressure Centre for Legislative Amendment
The CPI(M) demanded that the state government take up the issue with the Central government and push for a legislative amendment in Parliament to remove the barriers to implementing higher reservations for BCs.
The party said that the government should not limit itself to political announcements but must take concrete legal and legislative steps to ensure that BC reservations are implemented effectively.
‘Government’s Actions May Strengthen Public Doubts’
The CPI(M) state committee warned that if the government does not immediately release the Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission report and take steps towards securing the required legislative amendment, the perception among the public could grow that the government is merely putting on a show in the name of BC reservations.
The party reiterated its demand for transparency on the commission’s report, clarity on the proposed 34% BC reservations, and concrete action at the Centre to address the 50% reservation ceiling.
