“Chandrababu’s SC move on 34% BC quota political drama”: Venugopalakrishna
YSRCP leader Venugopalakrishna slams CM Chandrababu Naidu's decision to move the Supreme Court over 34% BC quota, calling it political theatre.
In a scathing attack on the Andhra Pradesh government, YSRCP East Godavari district president and former minister Chelluboina Venugopalakrishna has labeled Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's decision to approach the Supreme Court regarding the 34 per cent Backward Classes (BC) reservation as nothing more than "political theatre."
Speaking to the media at the party camp office in Rajahmundry on Monday, the former minister alleged that the move is a calculated attempt to deceive the BC community rather than a genuine effort to secure their rights.
The Legal Loophole: GO vs. Statutory Law
Venugopalakrishna raised serious questions regarding the legal strategy employed by the current coalition government. He pointed out that according to the landmark Indra Sawhney judgment, any reservation exceeding the 50 per cent ceiling requires comprehensive data and a formal report from a dedicated BC Commission.
The YSRCP leader questioned the transparency of the current administration, asking why a dedicated commission was constituted if its findings were not being made public. He suggested that the government had a clear path to success but chose a more precarious route:
- The Missed Opportunity: The government could have utilized the caste census data from the previous regime to provide the commission with a solid legal foundation.
- The Flawed Method: Instead of enacting a proper law and seeking Parliamentary approval to place it in the Ninth Schedule, the government chose to implement the quota through a Government Order (GO).
- The Risk: Venugopalakrishna argued that by relying on a GO, the government knowingly invited legal scrutiny and potential failure in court.
"Why was the government not enacting a proper law to secure permanent protection?" Venugopalakrishna asked, noting that the government has previously used the parliamentary route for other significant matters, such as Amaravati legislation.
Election Strategy and Political Messaging
The former minister further alleged that the timing of the Supreme Court move—following the High Court's decision—is not accidental. He claimed it is a "calculated strategy" designed to influence the upcoming local body elections.
He also took a swipe at the leadership dynamics within the coalition, suggesting that with the support of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Naidu is sending a subtle but damaging message to the electorate. According to Venugopalakrishna, the current approach implies that the BC communities are no longer a vital political necessity for the ruling alliance.
A Call for Permanent Protection
Concluding his address, the YSRCP leader urged the BC communities and the youth not to be misled by temporary measures. He demanded that the government move away from fragile Government Orders and instead focus on securing permanent statutory protection for reservations to ensure they can withstand judicial challenges.