Hyderabad: Telangana witnessed a complete shutdown on Saturday as protests spread across the state over the Telangana High Court’s stay on 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections. The bandh drew participation from all major political parties, including the ruling Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Telangana Jagruthi.
The High Court, on October 9, issued an interim order staying the government’s decision to grant 42 percent reservation to BCs. The ruling sparked outrage among BC communities and political leaders, who demanded immediate restoration of the quota.
Public transport was the first casualty of the bandh. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation depots in Hyderabad and several districts were blocked by protesters. Key hubs like MGBS, Rathifile, and Amberpet remained shut. Schools, colleges, and most shops closed, while medical services continued.
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Mahesh Kumar Goud urged party cadres to join the demonstrations. BRS leader Srinivas Goud participated in sit-ins, accusing both Congress and BJP of ignoring BC concerns. Telangana Jagruthi president K Kavitha, accompanied by her son Aditya, led protests in Khairatabad, raising slogans demanding justice for BCs. BJP leader Eatala Rajender joined demonstrators at the Jubilee Bus Station.
The bandh disrupted travel ahead of Deepawali. Many passengers were stranded at bus stations, while taxi fares doubled. Protests were also reported in Mahabubnagar, Karimnagar, Khammam, Siddipet, Nalgonda, and Adilabad.
Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy appealed for calm and warned against violence. Political leaders said the agitation would continue until the BC quota was reinstated, calling the issue one of social justice and equality.
