Hyderabad, March 18: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have hailed the Telangana government's decision to raise reservations for Backward Classes (BCs), calling it a historic step toward achieving social justice.
The praise comes a day after the Telangana Assembly passed two Bills that boost BC reservations to 42 percent across education, employment, and elections for both rural and urban local bodies. The Congress leaders congratulated the people of the state for this significant development.
Rahul Gandhi took to 'X' to express his support, stating that the government's acceptance of the data from the scientific caste census regarding the OBC community was a key milestone. He emphasized that the Assembly’s passage of the 42 percent reservation bill would help ensure equal participation for the community in education, employment, and politics.
“This is a revolutionary step toward social justice, breaking down the 50% reservation barrier in the state,” Rahul wrote.
As the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul noted that using caste survey data to analyze the socioeconomic conditions of different communities would lead to policies that promote the welfare of all. He also highlighted that the Telangana government had established an independent expert group to assist with this effort.
“I have always said that only through an 'X-ray'—meaning a caste census—can backward and marginalized communities receive their rightful share. Telangana has shown the way, and this is what the entire country needs. The caste census will happen in India, and we will make sure of it,” he added.
In her post on ‘X’, Priyanka Gandhi also congratulated the people of Telangana, emphasizing that the Congress party had fulfilled another promise made during the assembly elections.
“Our people from backward classes will now benefit from 42% reservation. This was a promise we made to you during the elections, and now we’ve kept it. This crucial step for social justice will empower you both socially and economically. We are always with you,” she wrote.
The Telangana Assembly adopted the Telangana Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions and Appointments to Services under the State) Bill 2025, along with the Telangana Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Rural and Urban Local Bodies) Bill 2025, on Monday.
Since raising BC reservations to 42 percent exceeds the 50 percent cap set by the Supreme Court for total reservations, the Bills will need approval from the central government.
Following the Assembly's passage of the Bills, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a meeting with him, accompanied by leaders from various political parties.
