Archive · 3 Oct 2026
BC Groups Seek Constitutional Amendment After Local Quota Ruling
R. Krishnaiah wants Andhra Pradesh to protect reservations for backward classes, or BCs, in local elections.
A High Court recently canceled a 34% quota for BCs in local bodies.
Krishnaiah said going only to the Supreme Court may not solve the problem.
He referred to earlier rulings that set a 50% limit on reservations.
He suggested that a larger panel of seven or nine judges should hear any appeal.
He also wants the central government to change the Constitution.
Krishnaiah said BCs are about 56% of the population but receive 25% reservation in education and jobs.
He asked several political leaders and parties to support this demand.
R. Krishnaiah urged Andhra Pradesh to seek a constitutional amendment for BC reservations in local bodies.
His appeal followed the High Court’s recent decision striking down the 34% BC quota.
He said an appeal to the Supreme Court alone may face the court’s 50% reservation ceiling.
Krishnaiah called for a seven- or nine-judge Constitution Bench if the state files an appeal.
He said BCs comprise about 56% of the population but receive 25% reservation in education and employment.
- Who
- R. Krishnaiah, 14 BC organisations, and the Andhra Pradesh government are central to the issue.
- What
- A demand has been made for a constitutional amendment to preserve BC reservations in local bodies.
- When
- The demand was made on Friday after a recent High Court ruling.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, with the issue also involving the Centre and the Supreme Court.
- Why
- Krishnaiah says court rulings applying a 50% reservation ceiling have repeatedly invalidated BC quotas.
- Local-body quota
- 34% BC reservation, recently struck down by the High Court.
- Reservation ceiling
- The Supreme Court has issued earlier judgments imposing a 50% ceiling on reservations.
- BC population share
- Krishnaiah said BCs constitute about 56% of the population.
- Education and employment quota
- BCs receive 25% reservation, according to Krishnaiah.
- Requested court panel
- A seven- or nine-judge Constitution Bench if an appeal is filed.
- Organisations represented
- Krishnaiah spoke on behalf of 14 BC organisations.
- Political support sought
- Support from the Telugu Desam Party, Jana Sena Party and Janata Dal (United).