Hyderabad, Oct 18 (PTI) A statewide bandh called by the BC JAC to protest against the High Court’s stay order on 42 per cent quota to BCs in local body polls began in Telangana on Saturday, with all political parties, including the ruling Congress supporting the agitation.
R Krishnaiah, Chairman of Backward Communities Joint Action Committee and BJP Rajya Sabha member, had earlier sought support from all political parties and civil society organisations for the bandh.
Barring emergency and essential services, all the sectors were requested to cooperate with the bandh.
The Telangana High Court on October 9 issued an interim stay against a Government Order providing 42 per cent BC reservation in local body elections.
Leaders of various political parties and BC organisations are holding dharnas in front of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation bus depots preventing vehicles from coming out.
BJP Lok Sabha member Etala Rajender participated in the bandh at Jubilee Bus Station here.
Telangana Jagruthi founder Kalvakuntla Kavitha who also held dharna told reporters that it was the government’s failure to convince the courts to rule in favour of reservations.
“Whether it is the Congress party or BJP, stop misleading BCs. Even if elections (local body) are not held immediately nothing will happen. First ensure reservations for BCs,” she said.
A senior official of TGRTC said some disruption of services was witnessed during the early hours at bus stations and depots.
The ruling Congress in Telangana on Friday extended its support to the bandh call given by Telangana Backward Class Joint Action Committee.
The BJP and BRS have also extended their support to the bandh call.
“I appeal to everyone — the general public and all communities — to participate in the BC bandh on October 18, which is being organised across the state against the BJP,” Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said in a statement.
Telangana Director General of Police B Shivadhar Reddy in a statement on Friday appealed to all organisations to observe the bandh peacefully without causing any inconvenience to the public.
He warned that if anyone resorts to untoward or illegal activities in the name of bandh, stringent action will be taken. PTI GDK KH
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