Telangana CM announces OBC population data, promises 42% reservation in jobs and education

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced the results of the caste census on March 17, declaring that 56.36% of the state's population belongs to the backward classes.

He said that the state's government plans to raise the percentage of OBC reservations in government employment and educational institutions from 23% to 42%.

"Today, as the Leader of the Telangana Legislative Assembly and as Chief Minister, I solemnly declare that based on the most scientific, methodically rigorous, and excruciating efforts of our people, we can say that the OBC population in Telangana is 56.36 percent," he wrote on X.

"We are now resolving to ensure 42 percent reservations for this group in all walks of life—education, jobs and employment, and political representation," he added.

Reddy made these remarks in light of the Congress government's introduction of two measures that would provide BCs 42% of the quotas in jobs, education, and local bodies in both rural and urban areas.

"It is my honor to announce the longest pending demand of the subaltern groups since Indian Independence, the yearning of our brothers & sisters belonging to the Backward Castes, on being counted & recognized in an official census—has finally found deliverance," he said.

In addition to offering them 42% reservation in government civil construction and maintenance contracts, the Congress had announced a "BC Declaration" prior to the 2023 assembly elections, promising to increase the BC quota from 23% in local bodies to 42% to provide them with new political leadership positions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, had also pledged that the party would conduct a nationwide caste-based census if it formed a government at the center.

The BJP had criticized the Congress, saying it was attempting to sow caste-based division in society.