YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s comments on BC reservations have triggered a fresh political debate in the state. Jagan launched a strong attack on the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, accusing it of claiming credit for providing reservations to Backward Classes (BCs) while allegedly creating hurdles for BC reservations in the past.
According to Jagan, the government led by the YSRCP introduced 34% reservations for BCs through Government Order (GO) No. 176 after coming to power in 2019. However, the High Court struck down the reservations on the grounds that the overall reservation exceeded the 50% ceiling. Jagan alleged that cases challenging the reservations were filed in courts at the behest of people associated with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Political Representation for BCs
Jagan said that despite the court’s decision on reservations, his government took several steps to increase the political representation of BC communities.
He pointed out that 11 of the 25 members of his cabinet were from BC communities. He also stated that two BC leaders were appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers.
According to Jagan, BC representation was also increased in several positions, including the Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, Legislative Council, Zilla Parishad chairperson posts, mayoral positions, Mandal Parishad president posts, municipal chairperson posts and corporation chairperson positions.
56 Corporations for 139 BC Communities
Jagan further claimed that his government established 56 separate corporations representing 139 BC communities.
He said the government also introduced a policy providing 50% opportunities to SCs, STs, BCs and minorities in nominated posts, nominated works and contracts.
Jagan also recalled that the YSRCP had introduced a private bill in Parliament seeking 50% reservation for BCs in legislative bodies. He said the party had also demanded a separate Union Ministry for BCs, a dedicated BC budget and a nationwide caste census for BC communities.
₹1.30 Lakh Crore Deposited Through DBT
Jagan claimed that around ₹1.30 lakh crore was deposited into the bank accounts of BC beneficiaries through various Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) welfare schemes during the YSRCP government’s tenure.
He alleged that the present Chandrababu government was weakening or discontinuing several welfare schemes that had previously benefited BC communities.
Jagan also accused the government of filing cases against BC leaders who were emerging politically and attempting to suppress their growth.
Jagan Questions Chandrababu’s Commitment to BCs
The central question raised by Jagan during his press conference was about who genuinely stands for the interests of BC communities.
He alleged that the Chandrababu government was promoting itself as a champion of BC reservations while, according to him, people associated with the TDP had previously created legal obstacles to such reservations.
The remarks have added another dimension to the ongoing political debate over BC reservations and representation in Andhra Pradesh. With both sides seeking to establish themselves as the true political representatives of BC communities, Jagan’s latest comments are being viewed in political circles as a direct challenge to Chandrababu Naidu’s BC outreach and political strategy.
