The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections, as per the recommendations of the Rajiv Ranjan Commission report. This decision was announced on Saturday, following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court that invalidated a previous order extending a 34 per cent reservation for BCs in these bodies.

Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu reported that the reservation will apply to both rural and urban local bodies across the state. Atchannaidu emphasised that the primary objective of the coalition government is to promote social justice and ensure adequate political representation for BCs. Under the new framework, BCs will receive 26.73 per cent reservation for gram panchayat ward member posts and 27.95 per cent for gram panchayat sarpanch positions.

In additional local body categories, the reservation will be set at 25.55 per cent for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies, 24.6 per cent for both Mandal Parishad Presidents and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies, while Zilla Parishad chairperson posts will offer a reservation of 23.08 per cent.

Reservation Details Across Urban Local Bodies

The Cabinet has also outlined the reservation specifics for urban local bodies. BCs are set to receive 32.78 per cent of ward member posts, 33.02 per cent of municipal chairperson posts, and 35.29 per cent of mayor positions. This structured approach aims to enhance the political agency of BCs within urban governance.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Secretariat, where Atchannaidu reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering the backward classes through the revised reservation structure.

This fresh allocation comes as a reaction to the Supreme Court’s latest decision, which overturned the previous ruling that had provided a significant reservation percentage for BCs in local body polls. Government representatives are optimistic that these new quotas will facilitate the timely conduct of elections in local bodies.

Political Repercussions and Govt Responses

In light of the Cabinet’s decision, state Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has expressed concerns regarding the leadership of YSRCP leader Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Yadav accused the YSRCP of attempting to reduce the previously established BC reservation from 34 per cent to 24 per cent, claiming this shift undermines efforts to empower backward classes.

Yadav stated that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is dedicated to advancing the interests of BCs, while suggesting that the YSRCP party is obstructing these initiatives. He cautioned that any delay in conducting the local body elections could disrupt the allocation of funds from the 16th Finance Commission.

With the Cabinet’s outline of the updated reservation structure now confirmed, the government aims to solidify the framework for BC quotas in local body appointments throughout the state, paving the way for the anticipated elections to occur without further interruption.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share