Telangana bandh: Statewide protest against HC stay order on BC quota; BJP, BRS extend support

NEW DELHI: A statewide bandh protesting against the High Court's stay order on 42 per cent quota to BCs in local body polls began in Telangana on Saturday, with all political parties, including the ruling Congress supporting the agitation.Barring emergency and essential services, all sectors were urged to cooperate with the bandh.The Telangana High Court on October 9 had issued an interim stay on a government order granting 42% BC reservation in local body elections.Leaders of various political parties and BC organizations held dharnas at Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus depots, preventing vehicles from leaving. BJP Lok Sabha MP Etala Rajender also participated in the bandh at Jubilee Bus Station.A senior TGRTC official said there were some disruptions to services at bus stations and depots during the early hours.The ruling Congress party in Telangana extended support to the bandh called by the Telangana Backward Class Joint Action Committee. The BJP and BRS have also backed the bandh."I appeal to everyone — the general public and all communities — to participate in the BC bandh on October 18, which is being organised across the state against the BJP," Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said in a statement.R Krishnaiah, Chairman of BC JAC and BJP Rajya Sabha member, had earlier sought support from all political parties and civil society organisations for the bandh.Telangana director general of police B Shivadhar Reddy in a statement on Friday appealed to all organisations to observe the bandh peacefully without causing any inconvenience to the public.He warned that if anyone resorts to untoward or illegal activities in the name of bandh, stringent action will be taken.(With agencies inputs)