In a move aimed at expediting the passage of a long-pending bill, the Telangana government has decided to approach President Droupadi Murmu seeking her active intervention. The bill pertains to enhancing the Backward Classes (BC) quota in local bodies to 42 per cent. A three-day delegation led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will camp in New Delhi from August 5 to 7 for an audience with the President. Notably, opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will also be part of this delegation.
The bill, which was sent to the President back in March, has yet to be enacted. The move comes as a response to the delay in its implementation despite it being passed by both houses of Parliament. The Congress party, which has been vocal about the issue, will be represented by its leaders in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during this delegation.
The decision to approach the President follows repeated requests made by various stakeholders, including political parties and social organizations, for expediting the process of enacting the bill. The delay in its enactment has been a point of contention among the BC community and their supporters, who see it as a denial of their rights and aspirations.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the Indian National Congress party, has expressed concern over the issue and has urged the President to expedite the process. The CWC, in its recent meeting, emphasized the need for social justice and equitable representation in local bodies.
Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has maintained a stoic silence on the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, has not issued any statement regarding the bill or the delegation’s meeting with the President.
As the deadline for submitting bills to the President before the Monsoon Session of Parliament approaches, the outcome of this delegation’s efforts remains uncertain.
