AP Assembly erupts in ‘Jaiho BC’ slogan

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly witnessed a political assertion on social justice as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the Cabinet’s decision to increase reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies, calling it a major step towards expanding political representation for the community.

The decision was taken at a special Cabinet meeting convened specifically to consider the BC reservation issue. The government has approved 34 per cent reservation for BCs in rural local bodies and 33.33 per cent in urban local bodies, within the applicable legal and constitutional framework.

Announcing the decision in the Assembly amid enthusiastic responses from ruling-party members, Naidu said the NDA alliance government was fulfilling its electoral promise to increase BC representation. He argued that political empowerment at the grassroots was essential for broader social and economic empowerment. He cited leaders such as Errannaidu, K.E. Krishnamurthy, Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Devender Goud and Ayyanna Patrudu as examples of leadership emerging from the BC community.

The present government, he said, had acted to restore the higher quota. The Cabinet also approved direct elections for mayors and municipal chairpersons, with Naidu saying the move was intended to ensure greater stability in urban local governance and prevent political defections from undermining elected administrations. Another major decision was to increase the number of Zilla Parishads from the existing 13 to 28, aligning them with the State’s reorganized district structure.

The Chief Minister said timely local elections were also important for accessing Central grants, including funds expected from the 16th Finance Commission. He said BC residential schools would be strengthened and efforts made to connect traditional skills with modern technology and global markets. He urged the Assembly to unanimously endorse the 34 per cent reservation proposal.