Move to reduce Backward Classes quota opposed

HYDERABAD: Alleging that the state government was contemplating reducing reservation for Backward Classes (BC) from 34 to 23.5 per cent in the ensuing local body elections, Andhra Pradesh BC Welfare Association president R Krishnaiah on Friday demanded that an all-party meeting be convened to finalise the quota.Speaking to media persons here, Krishnaiah threatened that the association would create a constitutional crisis in the state if the reservation for BCs was reduced. “All BCs working in various government departments, will boycott their duties in support of the BC Welfare Association’s demand for continuation of 34 per cent reservation for BCs in local body polls,” he said.  He also demanded a constitutional amendment for provision of 50 per cent reservation to BCs and increase it further based on their population in the state. The BC Welfare Association would thwart the Congress government’s reported move to suppress weaker sections by reducing BC reservation in local body elections. It would organise a meeting with BC employee associations on May 29 to discuss the course of action to be followed to better safeguard their interests, he said.