Modi Govt Should Clear Bills Raising BC Quota In Telangana: CM Revanth

New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday demanded that the Modi government approve state bills aimed at increasing reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in education, employment and local bodies to 42 per cent.

Addressing a protest organised by National BC Welfare Associations at Jantar Mantar, Reddy said the State government made several representations to the central government for early approval of the bills, but there has been no response.

"Many representations were made to the Centre, but there was no response. Therefore, we are here to protest," he said. The state Legislative Assembly on March 17 passed two bills to increase BC reservation from 23 per cent to 42 per cent in educational institutions, employment and elections to rural and urban local bodies.

The bills require centre's approval as the proposed BC reservation would exceed the 50 per cent cap on quotas. "We have sent the reservation bill to the Centre. We are asking (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi that we want to implement it in our State, not in Gujarat or Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh. If we want to give 42 per cent reservation in our State, what problem Modi has in approving it," Reddy asked. The CM appealed to Modi to listen to the state government's concerns and approve the bills. "We are ready to implement it, approve the bill," he said. "I am not bothered whether you will implement it across the country.