The Andhra Pradesh government has suffered a setback in the Supreme Court over its proposal to provide 34% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in Andhra Pradesh local body elections. The Supreme Court dismissed the state government’s petition challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s verdict and reiterated the 50% ceiling on total reservations.
The development has triggered a political controversy, with YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy criticising the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government over its promise to increase BC reservations.
Supreme Court Verdict on 34% BC Reservations in Andhra Pradesh
The Supreme Court’s decision has raised questions about the coalition government’s promise to provide 34% reservations for BCs in local body elections. The government had challenged the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s ruling on the issue, but the apex court dismissed its petition.
The court reiterated that total reservations should not exceed the 50% ceiling. The verdict has become a major political issue in Andhra Pradesh, particularly concerning the representation of BC communities in local governance.
YS Jagan Accuses Chandrababu Naidu of Betraying BCs
Reacting to the Supreme Court verdict on BC reservations, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Chandrababu Naidu of misleading BC communities with promises of 34% reservations in local body elections.
Jagan alleged that the coalition government had failed to fulfil its commitment and betrayed the trust of BC voters. He also criticised Chandrababu Naidu, calling him “Mr. 420” and accusing him of misleading people from different sections of society with electoral promises.
The YSRCP chief said the Supreme Court’s decision had once again raised questions about the coalition government’s assurances to BC communities. He demanded that Chandrababu Naidu apologise to BCs for failing to deliver on the reservation promise.
Jagan Questions Super Six, Super Seven and Election Promises
Jagan also targeted the coalition government over its Super Six and Super Seven schemes, along with the 143 promises mentioned in its election manifesto.
He alleged that the government had failed to fulfil several electoral commitments and questioned its approach towards welfare programmes introduced during the previous YSRCP regime.
Jagan further criticised the government over the discontinuation of certain welfare schemes and the alleged pending dues under the Vidya Deevena and Vasathi Deevena programmes.
According to Jagan, nearly ₹9,000 crore in dues remained pending under these education-related schemes. He cited the alleged arrears as another example of the coalition government’s failure to honour its commitments to students and their families.
BC Reservation Issue Becomes a Political Flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh
The Supreme Court’s decision on the 34% BC reservation proposal has intensified the political debate between the ruling coalition and the opposition YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh.
While the coalition government had promised increased reservations for BCs in local body elections, Jagan has accused it of failing to fulfil that commitment. He has called for an apology to BC communities and questioned the government’s broader record on election promises and welfare schemes.
The issue is likely to remain politically significant as debates continue over BC representation, reservation limits and the implementation of welfare commitments in Andhra Pradesh.
