TDP FOR 33% quota for BCs in legislatures

HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam Party today demanded that the Centre introduce a bill in the Monsoon session of Parliament for providing 33 per cent reservation to backward classes in Parliament and state legislatures.The TDP also wanted creation of an exclusive Union ministry for welfare of backward classes and allocation of funds under a special sub-plan proportionate to their population.In a statement here, TDP Politburo member Yanamala Ramakrishnudu recalled that the Andhra Pradesh Legislature had passed a unanimous resolution requesting the Centre to enact a a law providing 33 per cent quota to BCs in legislatures.He pointed out that no steps were taken by the Centre despite the Constitution stipulating that special measures be initiated for the educational, financial and political uplift of the BCs. As a result the BCs were pushed to poverty.Ramakrishnudu criticised Andhra Pradesh's Congress Government for trying to "deceive" the BCs on provision of 34 per cent reservation in urban local bodies and panchayat raj institutions."Why did the state government remain silent for over a year on the Supreme Court verdict on BC reservations?" the TDP leader questioned."If the state government is sincere, it should prevail upon the Centre and get a Constitutional amendment to ensure reservation for BCs in local bodies," he said.