CONGRESS PROTESTS FOR 42% OBC QUOTA IN TELANGANA

The Indian National Congress has intensified its push for increased representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Telangana. On Tuesday, Congress MPs and senior leaders staged a dharna (sit-in protest) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding a 42% reservation for OBCs in Telangana. This protest is anchored in the recent 2024 Social, Economic, and Educational Backward Classes Population Census (SEEEPC), which reveals that Backward Classes constitute more than 56% of the state’s population.

This significant finding has added fuel to the long-standing debate around equitable representation for OBCs in educational institutions, government jobs, and legislative bodies.

Background of the Demand

For decades, the OBC communities in Telangana have claimed that their social and economic progress is hindered by underrepresentation in various sectors. While the Indian Constitution mandates affirmative action through reservations, the percentage of quota allotted often doesn’t match the actual demographic strength of these communities.

In Telangana, OBCs are currently granted 25% reservation, which includes both educational and employment sectors. However, this figure falls short of their population proportion as highlighted in the SEEEPC 2024 data.

The Congress party, sensing a strong opportunity to rally support ahead of the next state elections, is now demanding that the reservation be raised to 42%, a number they argue is more aligned with the current demographic reality.

Protest at Jantar Mantar

Leaders from the Congress party, including Members of Parliament, state legislators, and OBC wing leaders, participated in the dharna. They raised slogans demanding “Social justice for OBCs” and called upon the Central Government and Telangana State Government to take immediate legislative steps to increase the quota.

Placards read:

“56% OBCs – Only 25% Quota: Is this justice?”

“Implement 42% OBC Reservation Now!”

“OBC Rights = Equal Representation!”

Addressing the gathering, Congress MP Uttam Kumar Reddy said,

“The data from the SEEEPC survey proves what we’ve been saying all along – OBCs are the backbone of Telangana, yet they remain excluded from their rightful share. The Congress party stands firmly with the backward communities.”

SEEEPC 2024 Survey Highlights

The Social, Economic, and Educational Backward Classes Population Census (2024) was a state-sponsored survey conducted across Telangana. Key findings include:

OBCs constitute 56.38% of the state’s population.

A majority of these communities face educational backwardness and economic hardship.

Many sub-castes within the OBC group remain particularly underrepresented.

This data has sparked discussions not only in Telangana but also in other states, where the issue of caste-based census and proportional representation is gaining ground.
Political Implications

The demand for 42% OBC reservation is not just a social issue; it carries serious political implications. The Congress party is likely using this issue to strengthen its foothold among OBC voters ahead of the next Assembly elections. Analysts believe this move could challenge the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Telangana, especially since both parties have not yet committed to such a high reservation percentage.

The Congress party is also hoping to put pressure on the Central Government, especially in light of the delay in implementing the nationwide caste-based census and the growing demand for proportional quota systems.
Constitutional and Legal Hurdles

While the demand for 42% OBC reservation has gained momentum, legal and constitutional challenges remain. According to the Supreme Court’s 1992 Indra Sawhney judgment, total reservations in any state should not exceed 50%, unless extraordinary circumstances justify it.

However, some states like Tamil Nadu have managed to exceed this limit through special provisions and amendments. Telangana Congress leaders argue that the SEEEPC findings represent such an extraordinary situation and must be used to seek a constitutional amendment or special status.

Voices from the Community

Several community leaders and activists have welcomed the Congress protest.
Ramesh Naik, a backward class activist from Warangal, said:

“This is not just about percentages, it is about dignity. OBCs form the majority, yet our youth are not represented in top jobs or universities. This movement gives us hope.”