Hyderabad: A statewide bandh protesting 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.
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.
The shutdown, which began at 4 am, has disrupted TGSRTC bus services as protesters blocked depots in several districts. Essential services like medical shops and ambulances remain exempt.
Ruling Congress, opposition BRS, BJP, Telangana Jagruthi and other parties have extended full support to the bandh. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Mahesh Kumar Goud urged party leaders, ministers, and legislators to participate.
BRS leaders, including former minister Srinivas Goud, joined demonstrations at various depots, criticising both Congress and BJP for failing to legislate on BC reservation while protesting on the streets.
Kavitha’s son protests, Hanumanth Rao slips
Telangana Jagruthi president K Kavitha and her 23-year-old son Aditya joined the protests at Khairatabad Junction chanting, “fight won’t stop until BCs get their due,” and “cheat or betray BC children.”
BJP leader Eatala Rajender also participated in the demonstration at Jubilee Bus Station in Secunderabad, extending support to the bandh call.
Senior Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao slipped and fell while protesting. Fellow party workers picked him up and continued the demonstration.
In Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, major RTC depots like MGBS, Rathifile, and Amberpet witnessed protests, with buses confined to depots. Educational institutions and business establishments declared a holiday.
Telangana Jagruti, led by MLC K Kavitha, organised a human chain at Khairatabad demanding the implementation of the 42 percent BC quota and cooperation from the Centre.
Transport halt across districts
The bandh has paralysed transport across districts, including Mahabubnagar, Karimnagar, Siddipet, Khammam, Kothagudem, Sangareddy, Medak, Nalgonda, and Adilabad. Bus services have largely stopped, schools remained closed, and streets wore a deserted look.
Protesters held sit-ins and rallies urging the government to ensure legal backing for enhanced BC reservations. Leaders declared that the agitation would continue until justice was achieved for the backward classes.
Deepawali travel plans hit in Hyderabad
Deepawali enthusiasm has turned sour for many in Hyderabad intending to travel to their native towns on Saturday, October 18, as public transport has virtually come to a stop and cabs are allegedly charging double.
Desperate to reach home on time to celebrate Deepawali with their loved ones, many citizens were left stranded looking for an alternative travel option. Videos of families with little children standing in bus stops across Hyderabad have emerged on social media platforms.
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.
(This copy has been updated with latest information regarding the bandh)
Follow on Twitter | Posted by P N Sree Harsha | 
