TPCC Chief Mahesh Kumar Goud welcomes verdict, reiterates commitment to 42% BC reservations

The High Court observed that the continued delay violates the constitutional mandate and impedes democratic functioning. It directed the state government to complete ward delimitation within 30 days and instructed the SEC to conduct and conclude the election process within 60 days thereafter

metro india news  I hyderabad

In a significant ruling aimed at restoring grassroots democracy in Telangana, the High Court has directed the state government and the State Election Commission (SEC) to complete the conduct of Gram Panchayat elections and declare results by September 30, 2025. Justice T. Madhavi Devi delivered the judgment in response to petitions filed by former sarpanches, who challenged the prolonged delay in holding local body elections after the term of the previous panchayats expired on January 31, 2024. Since then, governance in villages has been handled by Special Officers, which petitioners argued was unconstitutional and detrimental to rural development.

The High Court observed that the continued delay violates the constitutional mandate and impedes democratic functioning. It directed the state government to complete ward delimitation within 30 days and instructed the SEC to conduct and conclude the election process within 60 days thereafter. The court firmly rejected the plea for additional time, emphasizing the urgency of restoring elected governance at the grassroots level. The judgment also acknowledged the hardships faced by former elected representatives, many of whom reportedly funded development works from personal resources without reimbursement.

Telangana Congress welcomes verdict, reiterates commitment to Social Justice

Responding to the High Court’s directive, TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud welcomed the judgment, calling it a victory for democracy and social justice. Speaking at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday, he asserted that the Congress government is committed to conducting the elections with 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs), as promised in its manifesto. He clarified that the categorization of SC and BC communities has already been submitted to the Centre and is awaiting approval. He added that the Congress would soon take a cabinet decision on the election schedule.

Goud strongly criticized the BJP for its silence on the BC reservation issue and accused the BRS of spreading misinformation on social media. He claimed the Congress government had achieved more in 18 months than what the BRS could do in a decade, highlighting schemes like Rythu Bharosa which disbursed Rs 9,000 crore to farmers. 

He condemned the previous BRS regime’s misuse of welfare schemes for electoral gains and denounced the alleged phone tapping and corruption in projects like Kaleshwaram. TPCC Chief reiterated Congress’s dedication to transparency, BC empowerment, and inclusive governance, expressing confidence in the party’s victory in all upcoming elections.